UNIT 7 – ECOSYSTEM DIORAMA PROJECT
OBJECTIVE: In this lesson, we are learning about the various biotic and abiotic factors that make up an ecosystem, as well as how these factors
work together to maintain a balanced ecosystem. By creating a 3-D diorama of an ecosystem, students become aware of the various pieces and parts
that help make up the ecosystem, as well as how they work together.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1)
Students will select an ecosystem they would like to make. All selections MUST be approved by your instructor.
2)
Students will build a 3-dimensional model ecosystem diorama. Students are responsible for fully modeling their ecosystem, including
climate/environmental conditions, physical structures and living organisms (plants and animals) that are typical to that ecosystem.
3)
Students will complete an Ecosystem Snapshot worksheet. Students may handwrite or type their answers. Students must answer all
questions thoroughly and accurately, and must list the references they used to gather their information, to receive credit for this portion of
the assignment.
PROJECT GUIDELINES:
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Ecosystems must be three-dimensional. Dioramas should be no larger than a copy paper box or small moving box – old shoe boxes
make PERFECT frameworks for dioramas!
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Students may use a variety of different materials to create their ecosystem. Craft materials (construction paper, printed scrapbook paper,
tissue paper, clay, cotton batting, pipe cleaners, yarn, beads, buttons, etc.), household materials (plastic wrap, aluminum foil, sandpaper,
toothpicks), non-decomposable natural materials (dried moss, fake plants/flowers, rocks, seashells, dried starfish, etc.), and nature-themed
figurines and toys can all be used to create your ecosystem. Please make sure that all items in your diorama (including whatever material
you use to represent the ground) is SECURELY FIXED to your diorama in a SAFE manner. You do not have to spend a lot of money
creating your ecosystem diorama. The supplies you need to create a diorama can easily be found from household supplies or purchased
from Dollar Store, Walmart, Target, or discount craft stores.
•
Using any of the followiung banned items in your model will result in a ZERO grade:
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o
o
o
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Food or liquids of ANY kind (candy, pasta, nuts, gelatin, water, etc.)
Real plants, insects or animals (dead, alive or preserved)
Unsecured/loose sand, “snow” or dirt
Glitter
Glass containers or sharp objects (push pins, straight pins, needles, fish hooks)
TURNING IN YOUR PROJECT:
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Ecosystem dioramas and accompanying Snapshot Sheets are due on the assigned due date during the student’s class period. Student’s
name must be on BOTH the Ecosystem Snapshot Sheet AND the diorama itself!
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PROJECT DUE DATES:
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Early Submission -
o
Project Due Date -
o
Late Deadline -
(+5 pts on project grade)
(5pts deducted PER DAY LATE – includes weekends!)
ECOSYSTEM EXAMPLES
Below is a list of possible ecosystems that you may choose from to create your ecosystem diorama. However, if there is an ecosystem that you wish
to model that is NOT on this list, you may ask your teacher if you may use it!
Aquatic/Marine Ecosystems
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Beach/Shoreline
Creek, River or Stream
Coral Reef
Deep Ocean/Ocean Floor
Estuary
Kelp Forest
Tide Pool
Wetlands
Terrestrial Ecosystems
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Cave
Coniferous Forest
Deciduous/Temperate Forest
Desert
Grassy Plains
Mountains
Tropical Rainforest
Tundra/Polar Region
Specific Ecosystem Examples
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African Savanna
Amazon Rainforest
Everglades
Galapagos Islands
Gobi or Sahara Desert
Great Barrier Reef
Patagonia
Rocky Mountains
ECOSYSTEM DIORAMA PROJECT – GRADING RUBRIC
POINTS EARNED
SECTION
GENERAL
COMPONENTS
RESEARCH PAGE
DIORAMA
Model has all of the
following components
present:
POINT
DEDUCTIONS
EXTRA POINTS
MAX
POINTS
CRITERIA
Student’s name, class period and selected ecosystem listed on
research page
Student’s name and class period written on ecosystem model
Research page and model were submitted together
Proper spelling/grammar used on research page
EFFORT – research page has been completed and information
reflects good use of time/effort
ACCURACY – research page contains accurate scientific
information about your selected ecosystem
REFERENCES – at least 3 proper scientific sources, all properly
cited
Name of Ecosystem
Sturdy, Safe Framework
Characteristic Climate/Background Represented (sky, water, etc.)
Characteristic Abiotic (Nonliving) Factors Represented
Characteristic Plant Life Represented
Characteristic Animal Life Represented (at least 5 different
species)
PRESENTATION – model is clean, neat, organized and all
items are secured
EFFORT – model shows evidence of quality effort and attention
to detail was put forth by the student
Student profiled incorrect organ
Project submitted LATE
Project submitted early
Project or supplies donated (post-grading)
Extra Credit Pass
POINTS
EARNED
5
5
5
5
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
5
5
10
10
-50pts
-5pts/day
+5 pts
+5 pts
+5 pts
TOTAL POINTS EARNED
100
TOTAL POINT DEDUCTIONS
Max. 50
TOTAL EXTRA POINTS
Max. 15
FINAL GRADE
TEACHER’S COMMENTS:
DATE SUBMITTED: ______
⎕ EARLY
⎕ ON TIME
⎕ LATE