Contextualization

Theoretical Introduction

Environmental balance is a fundamental concept in ecology, referring to the ideal state of interaction between all species and the environment in which they live. In this state, all species can obtain the necessary resources to survive and reproduce, and the environment remains stable and healthy.

However, environmental balance is easily disturbed by a variety of factors. One of the main culprits in the modern era is us, humans. Our intervention, whether through climate change, deforestation, pollution, or a series of other activities, has the potential to seriously destabilize this delicate balance.

The effects of these disturbances to environmental balance can be devastating. They can cause species extinction, habitat degradation, and a variety of other environmental problems. This, in turn, has huge implications for life on Earth, including our own.

Contextualization

Everyone has heard of climate change. There are daily news about record temperatures, increasingly frequent climate disasters, and species on the brink of extinction. What many do not realize is that this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to environmental imbalance.

Human actions are also causing environmental imbalances on a global scale in a variety of other ways, many of which are as or more concerning than climate change. The good news is that, just as we have the power to destabilize the environment, we also have the power to restore balance. The first step in doing this is to understand what environmental balance is, why it is important, and how we can contribute to maintaining or restoring this balance.

Activity

Activity Title: Recovering Balance - Creating a Mini Ecosystem

Objective

The objective of this project is to create a miniature ecosystem (also known as a terrarium) to demonstrate, on a small scale, how ecosystems are balanced and how they can be disturbed and recovered. Through this practical activity, students will better understand what environmental balance is and how human actions affect it.

Project Description

In groups of 3 to 5, students will create a terrarium, monitoring and recording the changes that occur over a one-month period. Controlled disturbances will be introduced to simulate the impact of human actions on environmental balance.

Required Materials

1. Large transparent glass container with a lid (such as an aquarium or large jar)
2. Soil
3. Small plants (such as succulents, moss, grasses)
4. Small animals (e.g., insects) - if allowed by school rules
5. Small stones or gravel
6. Activated charcoal (optional)
7. Water
8. Camera or smartphone for documentation
9. Notebook for notes

Step by Step

1. Theoretical Research: Before starting to assemble the terrarium, students should research the elements that make up an ecosystem and how they interact to create environmental balance, using the provided resources.
2. Planning: Plan the design of your terrarium. What types of plants and animals (if applicable) will be included? How will you arrange the physical elements? Draw a plan of your terrarium.
3. Assembly: Assemble the terrarium according to your plan. Start with a layer of stones or gravel for drainage, followed by a layer of activated charcoal (if available) to help keep the environment clean. Then add the soil and plant the plants. If allowed, add the small animals. Finally, close the terrarium.
4. Monitoring: Document the initial state of the terrarium with photos and written notes. Continue to monitor the terrarium daily, documenting any changes that occur with photos and notes.
5. Controlled Disturbances: Introduce controlled disturbances once or twice during the project. This could be something like adding too much water (simulating a flood) or removing some plants (simulating deforestation). Observe and document the changes that occur in response to these disturbances.
6. Restoration: After each disturbance, discuss how the terrarium (and by extension, the environment) can be restored to balance. Implement a plan to try to restore the terrarium and document the results.
7. Final Report: At the end of the project, students should prepare a detailed report on the project, including an introduction, development, conclusions, and bibliography used.

Project Deliverables

Upon completion of this project, students must deliver:

1. The Terrarium: The terrarium must be presented to the class. Each group should talk about how it was built, the changes that occurred during the project, and how they responded to the disturbances.

2. Final Report: Each group should prepare a written report on the project. The report should include an introduction on the importance of environmental balance, a detailed description of the activity, the observed results, and the conclusions drawn from the experience. Daily notes and photos should be used to support the claims made in the report. It should also include the bibliography used for the project's development.

Through this activity, students will be able to experience the dynamics and complexity of ecosystems and understand the impact and consequences of human actions on maintaining environmental balance.