Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure C-3: Earth rotation Southern Hemisphere.
Eco-Columns
Eco-columns (like the one shown in Figure C-4) are mini ecosystems made up of three chambers. The bottom
section is an aquatic chamber containing a fish and plant to replicate photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
This chamber has a small slit to allow the students access to test the water for changes. The middle section is
usually a decomposition section, but it can be reversed with the top, terrestrial section. The decomposition sec-
tion contains worms and organic matter that, when broken down, move to the aquatic section. The terrestrial
section usually has a small plant and sometimes a small animal. The top has a small cap with holes to allow
watering if needed. Usually, after a few weeks, the system seldom needs water. The water cycle is very visible
in the column. Other biogeochemical cycles are also found, and students learn to identify which cycles are in
the column. This activity also teaches observation skills.
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