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How to make a Jurassic terrarium

Recommended for kids aged 8+

Recreate the land of dinosaurs – in a jar!

Join Joel Cohen, Field Botanist from the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, as he shows you how to build your own miniature ecosystem.

Create a living habitat with plants such as ferns and mosses and add decorations to create a window into an ancient world.

Don’t forget to spray your terrarium with water when it looks dry!

This activity requires adult supervision and some assistance.


How to make a Jurassic terrarium by the Australian Museum.

With Joel Cohen, Field Botanist from the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Recreate the world of dinosaurs in a jar!

What you need; clean transparent jar, trowel or spoon, gloves, potting mix, small stones or gravel, activated charcoal, plants such as ferns and mosses, decorations, mist bottle and water.

Step one

Add 1-2cm layer of small stones for drainage.

Step two

Add a think layer of charcoal.

Step three

Add potting mix and pat it down.

Step four

Dig holes for plant roots.

Step five

Gently transfer your plants.

Step six

Put moss on top of the soil and between the plants.

Step seven

Add decorations.

Step eight

Spray with water.

Now you have a miniature ecosystem and a window into an ancient world. Remember to spray your Jurassic terrarium when it looks dry.