Biomes of the World: Shoebox Diorama Project
Science Grade 7
The objective for this project is to learn about different biomes of the world and the features
specific to them through research and investigation.
Requirements:
Each student will be given a specific biome and must construct a shoebox diorama (hmm,
what’s that…see below) of the biome. The diorama will include features unique to that biome
such as the geography and/or landscape, the plants and animals of the ecosystem, and finally,
the interaction between the biotic and abiotic things.
What is a Shoebox Diorama?
A diorama is a small model of a real-life scene that has life like details and a realistic
background. The box should be shoebox size or larger.
Grading Policy: Grades will be determined by the following:
Biome-in-a-Box Diorama: 50 POINTS
-At least 3 animals species found in your biome/diorama
-At least 3 plant species found in your biome/diorama
-Should realistically represent with geographical features such as mountains, streams,
rivers, etc.
-A background on the back and sides of your box.
-BE CREATIVE!!
Other Requirements:
 Needs to be constructed out of a shoebox or some sort of box
 Needs to be 3 dimensional
 Need to complete and turn in Biome Research page (50 POINTS) and
PRESENTATION
 Research MUST be turned in to Mr. Hacker.
 Have Fun!!!
 Needs to be turned in by TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15TH for a TEST Grade!!!
Sources: You may use your textbook, class notes, encyclopedias, and the following Internet
websites: MUST HAVE AT LEAST 3 SOURCES!
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/tundra.php#alp
http://www.mbgnet.net/
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/
http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/ecoregions/about/habitat_types/habitats/
http://ths.sps.lane.edu/biomes/index1.html
http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/world_biomes.htm
http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/biomes/index.html#aquatic
NO PLAGIARISM! DO NOT JUST COPY FROM THE SOURCE!
Biomes of the World
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Tundra – Arctic or Alpine
Taiga (Coniferous or Boreal Forest)
Desert
Temperate Deciduous Forest
Tropical Rain Forest
Grassland- Savanna or North American Prairie
Marine- Ocean or Coral Reef
Note: We will be spending a couple of days in class to research and to collect information
regarding your biome. However, construction of diorama will take place outside of class (ie. At
home or before/after school).
The Diorama is worth a maximum of 50 points.
The Biome chart (research page) and presentation of biome are worth a maximum of 50 points.
Together a maximum of 100 points is available!
Use the rubrics provided to help you with designing and researching. I will use the rubrics to
grade your diorama and your research. You must turn in your rubrics with your project.
Due
Biome in a Box Diorama Rubric
Category
NAME:_________________
10
8
Display box is
very attractive.
Display box is
somewhat
attractive.
Display box is
messy and
unattractive.
and Creativity
Display box is
very attractive
and creativity is
evident.
Accuracy of
Animals
More than 3
animals are
accurately
shown.
At least 3
animals are
accurately
shown.
One animal is
inaccurately
shown.
More than one
animal is
inaccurately
shown.
Accuracy of
Plants
More than 3
plants are
accurately
shown.
At least 3
plants are
accurately
shown.
One plant is
inaccurately
shown.
More than one
plant is
inaccurately
shown.
Background is
very neatly
depicted and
present on all
three sides.
Background is
neatly depicted
and present on
all three sides.
Background is
present on all
three sides.
Background is
not present on
all three sides.
All components
of assignment
are present.
Most (1 item
missing)
components of
assignment are
present.
Some (2 to 3
items missing)
components of
assignment are
present.
Few (more
than 3 items
missing)
components of
assignment are
present.
Attractiveness
Background
Completeness
Points earned:
_____
Points from Diorama:_______
Points from Research:________
FINAL GRADE: _________
_____
6
______
5
______
Biome Research Rubric
Category
Presentation
Quality of
Information
X2
Internet Use
Mechanics
Points earned:
NAME:_____________________
10
8
6
5
Well-rehearsed
with smooth
delivery that
holds audience
attention.
Rehearsed with
fairly smooth
delivery that
holds audience
attention most
of the time.
Delivery not
smooth, but
able to
maintain
interest of the
audience most
of the time.
Delivery not
smooth and
audience attention
often lost.
All information
is accurate to
chosen biome
and is clearly
organized.
Most
information is
accurate to
chosen biome
and is clearly
organized.
Most
information is
accurate to
chosen biome.
Organization is
unclear.
Successfully
uses
suggested
internet links to
find
information
and worked
well during
time allotted.
Moderately
successful at
using
suggested
internet links to
find
information
and worked
well during
time allotted.
No
grammatical,
spelling or
punctuation
errors.
Almost no
grammatical,
spelling or
punctuation
errors.
Successful to
moderately
successful at
using
suggested
internet links to
find
information but
was off task
during the time
allotted.
A few
grammatical
spelling, or
punctuation
errors.
Most
information is
inaccurate to
chosen biome
and
organization is
unclear.
Needs
assistance or
supervision to
use suggested
internet links
and/or was
disruptive to
others during
time allotted.
_____
______
_____
Total points for Biome Chart: _______
Many
grammatical,
spelling, or
punctuation
errors.
______