Hands-On Environmental Science
Megan Dora challenged her 11th-grade International Baccalaureate (IB) Environmental Systems and Societies students to research, design, and construct their own completely closed-system terrariums.
Closed systems are an important part of the IB curriculum, but they can be difficult for students to fully understand because real-world examples are limited. This hands-on project brings the concept to life, allowing students to apply their knowledge as they research and select the ideal substrate, soil, plants, and seeds for their terrariums.
The learning continues long after the terrariums are built. Over the next two school years, students will monitor their terrariums, record observations, and periodically reflect on their progress. They will critically evaluate their designs, identify what worked well, and consider how they might improve their closed systems. To preserve the integrity of each system, the terrariums cannot be opened during the two-year observation period.
Beyond the science, the project encourages students to take ownership of their work and become invested in the success of their terrariums.
The Shaker Schools Foundation was proud to open doors to meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and create lasting connections to the concepts they study in the classroom.
This project was funded by the Shaker Schools Foundation last year and my seniors still often run into class to check on their terrariums. It was the first thing they mentioned when we came back from summer break!
