Building a Self-Sustaining Ecosystem in a Jar Free Resource – STEM Scholars Hub

This activity explores the creation of a self-sustaining closed ecosystem, providing students with hands-on insight into how living and non-living components interact to maintain balance. By sealing plants, soil, and water in a jar, students observe photosynthesis, respiration, the water cycle, and nutrient cycling, learning how energy and matter flow within a contained system. This miniature ecosystem highlights the importance of balance and sustainability, demonstrating how ecosystems recycle resources without external input.

This topic is ideal for students, teachers, and parents/guardians to explore ecological principles in a hands-on, engaging way. It is perfect for class demonstrations, small group experiments, homework, independent practice, or enrichment activities. Answer keys and supporting materials are provided for guided practice.

Blog about the topic is available on the STEM Blog page, and PDF downloadable resources are down below. PowerPoint presentations and reference videos are found on the PPT/Video page.