Making Mini-Aquariums
This activity sets up living aquaria which (if all goes well) will illustrate how an ecosystem constantly reuses the same materials (atoms), but does need something from outside - namely energy from the Sun.
Materials
- clear plastic saladbar containers
- brine shrimp (sold live at PetLand and other pet stores)
- algae (seaweed - from beach, or aquarium store)
- salts: NaCl, (and optionally, MgSO4)
- water
- (if available) microscope, perhaps camera and TV
Procedure
This activity starts with a close (even microscopic) examination of the various components of an ecosystem, then puts them all together into a mini-estuary for long-term study and care - naturally leading to feelings of protective fostering.
To start, provide (e.g. on pieces of paper) samples of NaCl crystals and artemia eggs, for naked-eye examination - see how tiny (especially the eggs, like dust). Then, if possible, show under the microscope (on TV if available, to share the view efficiently).