Diorama Research Guide
Animal: __________________________________
Vertebrate
Invertebrate
Animal’s Appearance: (What does it look like? Skin, scales, fur, feathers, size,
color, unusual details)
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Classify your animal: (mammal, reptile, amphibian, arthropod, etc.)
_____________________________________________________
Habitat: (Where does your animal live?)
1. Location: ____________________________________________
2. Ecosystem: __________________________________________
3. Climate: ____________________________________________
4. Home: _____________________________________________ (tree, nest, den,
pond, cave, etc.)
Diet:(What does it eat?)
Herbivore: ____________________________________________
Omnivore: _____________________________________________
Carnivore: _____________________________________________
Does it have predators, if so what are they?
_____________________________________________________
Interesting Facts:
What did you learn that surprised you about your animal?
___________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________
What are some unique characteristics of this animal?
___________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________
Animal Diorama Project
Project Finish Date: _____________
Shoe Box for Diorama Due: ___________
Parent Signature: ________________________________
NOTE TO PARENTS: Most of this project will be done in the classroom. If needed, some of the
research may have to be completed for homework. Your child needs to bring a sturdy shoebox
and any supplies needed to make the diorama. It is not necessary to purchase expensive items
for the diorama. Students are allowed to use construction paper (provided by the teacher),
magazine cut-outs, pictures from the internet, etc. for the project. However, they may also
bring in any other type of materials that would help them create a good representation of their
habitat. Some suggestions for materials are mentioned below. This will be two MAJOR
GRADES. A rubric is attached.
Objective: To help students learn about animals, their habitats, and what animals need to
survive, as well as to help students understand how scientists classify animals in various groups
using their characteristics and features.
Project Instructions
1. Determine the type of animal and its habitat you would like to create and you will be
researching.
2. Do some research as to what plants live in the animal’s habitat and how they interact with
each other (in other words, who eats whom?). Take notes using the Diorama Research
Guide attached.
3. Make your diorama. Turn an empty box (large shoebox or other type box of your choosing)
on its side so you can see into the box. This will be the stage for your display. Start by
drawing and/or creating the habitat inside your box. You will be using classroom material
that is safe and will help you create a scenic representation of the habitat you have chosen.
Create replicas of the plants and habitat in which your animal would live and place them the
box to represent how they would naturally interact with the animal. You may decide to
hang some of the creatures from the roof of the box with fishing line or string. Arrange the
materials in the diorama as desired to create your habitat display. Be creative!
Label your diorama in large print and make it attractive. Using modeling clay, construct a
replica of the animal you are researching to place in your diorama.
4. You will give an oral report to the class. Know as much as possible about your animal so that
your presentation is interesting and informative.
Animal Diorama Project Rubric
DIORAMA CRITERIA
POINTS
POSSIBLE
Diorama correctly depicts habitat; animal well researched
35
Diorama correctly depicts other animals and plants found naturally
in habitat
30
Diorama has been labeled with the name of the habitat
5
WORKMANSHIP: (neatness, effort, detail)
20
Oral Presentation: Good eye contact and presentation techniques
were used
10
TOTAL POINTS/GRADE (Diorama)
100
POINTS EARNED
kinwart, “diorama Mojave desert,” https://www.flickr.com/photos/lindatrawnik/1483624003 (CC BY 2.0)