Biosphere II , a domed glass and steel Garden of Eden in the foothills of Arizona 's Santa Catalina Mountains , will begin an experiment on Thursday in a biological maze where plants will take human wastes and turn them into the source of life -- air , food , and water . At the least , it is intended to help improve life on Earth . There is a great deal of skepticism about the credibility and usefulness of the experiment . ; Shown a movie and taken on a walking tour for $9.95, visitors mostly gush over the landscape and rarely ask probing questions. Biosphere II responds by pointing to 50 design patents in the works . They also claim it is a business-- Arizona 's second largest tourist attraction after the Grand Canyon .
Biosphere II , a domed glass and steel Garden of Eden in the foothills of Arizona 's Santa Catalina Mountains , will begin an experiment on Thursday in a biological maze where plants will take human wastes and turn them into the source of life -- air , food , and water . At the least , it is intended to help improve life on Earth . There is a great deal of skepticism about the credibility and usefulness of the experiment . Biosphere II responds by pointing to 50 design patents in the works . They also claim it is a business-- Arizona 's second largest tourist attraction after the Grand Canyon .