You can build your own rainforest --well, something a lot like one--in your classroom or home.

You will need

• Information on how rainforests grow. Check your library or study over the internet.
• A large fish tank
• Some small gravel
• Some charcoal (just like you put in a fish tank)
• Some very rich potting soil (like you get at the local garden shop) or compost from your yard, enough to cover the entire floor of the aquarium tank with 1 inch of soil
• A few tropical plants (ask your garden shop manager to help you)
• Some tap water
• A piece of glass large enough to cover the top of the aquarium--make sure it will cover the entire opening in the top.

Here's What You Do

1. Put the gravel and charcoal in the bottom of the aquarium.
2. Now put the potting soil (or compost) in a layer of at least 1 inch on top of the gravel and charcoal.
3. Dampen the soil.
4. Plant the plants around the aquarium.
5. Put the glass over the top. If you would like to, you can put clear tape around the edges to seal it.
6. Put the aquarium in a warm, well-lit spot.
7. Watch what happens--keep a notebook.

Questions to Answer

• In a few hours what do you find on the underside of the glass?
• Touch the glass. Does it feel warm?
• How do your plants grow?
• Does it look like you have to add water very often?
• Keep your rainforest growing as long as you can. By the way, you have made what is called a "terrarium" or jar garden. These have always been popular, but not many people know why they are like a rainforest in some ways. What things would you say make your terrarium like a rainforest?