Ecocolumn Lab Instructions

Lab Overview

• Objective: Build an ecocolumn to explore ecological interactions.

Materials Needed

• Provided by Students: 2-liter clear plastic bottles, bottle caps, potting soil, compost, seeds, gravel.
• Provided by Teacher: Dissecting needles, tea candles, scissors, 500 ml beakers.

Assembly Steps

Day 1: Building Bottles

• Group Tasks: Each group member has specific tasks including label removal, bottle cutting, and preparing lids with holes for airflow.
• Lid Preparation: Use dissection probes and candles to poke holes:
  • Soil Chamber Lid: 3 mm holes
  • Sand Chamber Lid: 1 mm holes
• Assemble: Ensure bottles fit together securely.

Day 2: Filling Chambers

• Terrestrial Chamber Setup:
  1. Clean gravel; measure and add to bottle.
  2. Add potting soil and compost; ensure proper drainage.
• Filter Chamber Setup:
  1. Add layers of gravel and sand; rinse thoroughly.

Day 3: Planting Seeds and Data Collection

• Data Tasks: Use a shared spreadsheet for weekly data recording.
• Planting: Label corners and plant seeds; record their positions.

Day 4: Adding Detritivores

• Materials: Add worms and other insects; use leaf litter for habitat.
• Maintain Ecosystem: Be cautious with water addition to prevent flooding.

Day 5: Aquatic Chamber Setup

• Final Setup Steps:
  1. Prepare aquatic chamber with gravel and water.
  2. Add aquatic plants; take water quality tests (temperature, oxygen, pH, nitrates).
• Adding Fish: Carefully introduce fish; manage their population density for ecosystem health.

Ongoing Monitoring

• Data Collection: Weekly water and soil quality readings.
• Adjustments: Monitor and adjust as necessary for optimal ecosystem health.