Session 3: Terrarium Fairy Gardens
Session 3: Terrarium Fairy Gardens
“Build your own little world and watch it come to life.”
In this session, kids create their own mini ecosystem inside a jar or tall-walled pot. They’ll layer rocks, soil, moss, and small plants to build a living terrarium, then decorate it to match their imagination (fairy forest, dragon swamp, tiny jungle, etc.). Along the way, we talk about how plants, water, air, and light all work together to keep that ecosystem alive.
1. Meet the Mini Ecosystem (Science Warm-Up)
Short group chat:
What is an ecosystem?
What do plants need to live? (light, water, air, soil)
How does water move in a closed jar? (evaporation, condensation – in kid language)
Look at a sample terrarium and notice: layers, moisture on the glass, plant health.
2. Design Their Tiny World (Art + Imagination)
In their Outdoor Journal, kids sketch their terrarium “world”:
Is it a fairy garden? Dino jungle? Mossy mountain?
Where will plants go? Rocks? Paths?
Think about “foreground” and “background” – what’s near the glass vs. tucked behind?
3. Build the Terrarium (Hands-On Creation)
Each child gets a clear jar or container. Step-by-step, they will:
Add a drainage layer (small rocks/pebbles).
Optional: sprinkle a thin layer of charcoal if used (we’ll explain it as a “helper” for fresh air and clean water in kid-friendly terms).
Add potting soil (enough for roots to grow).
Plant small, low-growing plants or moss.
Add decorative touches: stones, shells, sticks, maybe a tiny figurine (if we provide or they bring one).
4. Caring for Their Little World (Observation & Journaling)
Kids learn how to:
Place the terrarium in the right kind of light (bright but not baking hot).
Water lightly and not too often – watching for condensation as a clue.
In their Outdoor Journal, they:
Draw their finished terrarium.
Write or dictate a short “Care Plan” (how much light, how often to check it, what to look for).
Make a prediction: What will change in 1 week? 2 weeks? A month?
5. Share & Celebrate
Short show-and-tell: kids share their terrarium’s “story” with the group.
Optional: we take a group photo (for parents, with permission) of everyone holding their tiny worlds.
Science & Nature:
What an ecosystem is (even on a very small scale).
Basic water cycle idea inside a terrarium (evaporation, condensation, precipitation).
How soil, roots, water, and light all work together to keep plants alive.
Art & Design:
Planning a composition before building.
Using texture (rocks, soil, moss) and height to make something visually interesting.
Telling a story through design (fairy world, jungle, mountain, etc.).
Math & Practical Skills:
Layering in order (first rocks, then soil, then plants).
Measuring materials in scoops or spoonfuls.
Counting plants and decorative elements.
Social & Emotional Skills:
Responsibility for a living mini world.
Pride in creating something beautiful and alive.
Listening, sharing, and celebrating each other’s creations.
Each student will leave with:
One completed terrarium in a clear jar or container.
A simple written/drawn care guide (in their journal or on a small card).
Journal entries they can update as they notice changes at home.
Mess factor: Mild to moderate – we’ll be working with soil, moss, and small stones. Play clothes recommended.
Materials: All jars/containers, soil, plants, and decor are provided. (If your child has a tiny figurine they’d like to include, they may bring it.)
Safety: We use kid-friendly tools and materials. If your child has sensitivities to soil, moss, or plants, please let us know in advance.
At-home support: Help your child find a safe, bright spot for their terrarium and check in with them as they observe changes over time.