Ecosystem Diorama Project

Curriculum Expectations:

Demonstrate an understanding of the interactions of plants, animals, fungi, and micro-organisms in an ecosystem.
Identify the biotic and abiotic elements in an ecosystem.

Instructions:

Using materials around the house and collected from outside, design an Ecosystem in a Box. Use your notes from class, the internet and books for ideas and information.

1. Choose a type of ecosystem – forest, field, pond, lake, etc.

2. Research the types of plants and animals that live in that ecosystem. (Food, habitat, predators)

3. Create an ecosystem by decorating a shoe box. Include all of the components for a healthy ecosystem.

4. Show how the animals interact with other animals, plants and their environment. (Food chains, shelters…)

5. On the outside lid (top) of the diorama clearly print your name and class.

Materials:

· Shoe box with a lid

· Construction paper

· Magazines

· Scissors

· Glue

· Pencil Crayons/ markers

· Yarn, pipe cleaners, string, play-dough, etc.

· Clean and dry sticks, sand, leaves, rocks

**Please do not include any live animals or insects in your diorama!

**Please make sure your diorama will not leak or spill!

Due Dates	Class
Friday, October 9	7K
Thursday, October 8	7L

All dioramas are expected to be brought to school on the scheduled due date. You will display your diorama in class, in a “science fair” style presentation.

Marking Scheme:

Knowledge/Skill	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Understanding of Basic Concepts - Biotic and Abiotic	The required biotic or abiotic elements are missing or weak in the ecosystem	A limited representation of the required biotic and abiotic elements are included in the ecosystem	A complete representation of biotic and abiotic elements are included in the ecosystem	A thorough representation of biotic and abiotic elements are included in the ecosystem
Understanding of Basic Concepts - Interactions in the ecosystem (food chains, webs) - Pyramid of life (balance of life)	Food chains and webs are incorrect and the ecosystem is not balanced	Food chains and webs are complete but show limited connections and a weak balance of life	Demonstrates the concept of the interactions between biotic elements in the ecosystem food chain and web	Demonstrates a variety of food chains/webs and the interactions within the balanced ecosystem
Understanding of Basic Concepts - Recycling of Matter (decomposers and microbes)	Decomposers or micro-organisms are missing from the ecosystem	A limited number of decomposers or micro-organisms are included in the ecosystem	Decomposers and microbes are included for the cycle of matter (Nutrient Cycle)	A variety of decomposers and microbes are included and are shown interacting in the cycle of matter
Inquiry, Design and Communication - communicates ecosystem concept	Communicates an emerging understanding of the ecosystem concept	Communicates a developing understanding of the ecosystem concept	Communicates an understanding of the complete ecosystem concept	Communicates a thorough understanding of the complete ecosystem concept
BONUS Creativity -care and effort	Ecosystem was created with a lack of creativity and care	Ecosystem was created with some basic of creativity and care	Demonstrates creativity and care in showing the required elements	Demonstrates exceptional creativity and effort in showing the required elements