EcoTower Observation #1 3.25.11

1. One Betta fish - alive
Two Snails - alive
Six Crickets - dead
Three Worms - buried in dirt unseen

2. We think the fish and snails are still alive because they are able to survive off the algae and the oxygen from the water. The crickets are dead because, we believe, the carbon cycle failed. We were unable to see the worms to observe if they were dead or not.

3. Three bean seeds - alive
One plant - alive
One plant - dead
Algae - alive

4. We think the bean seeds grew because they were able to grow roots in the soil. The soil stayed moist to bring the seeds alive. One of the plants that was given to us by Mr. Jennings, grew successfully. But the other plant died because the roots were unable to grow into the soil. The algae is still alive because it is in the water, providing it with moisture and oxygen.

5. The water changed color due to the rocks, algae, and the fish. When we sealed our EcoTower, it was clear but now it has a yellowish tint.

6.

I didn't expect for the crickets to die. I thought our carbon cycle would have worked to keep them alive since most of our plants stayed alive.

7. Prediction: Our fish and snails will stay alive but our water will continue to change color. The bean seeds will continue to grow and come through the cap into the bottom of our EcoTower. Since the worms are unseen at the moment, I believe they are alive providing the soil with nutrients and vise versa.