Biome Diorama Project

As a part of our biome research projects, each student is working on an in-depth study of an animal from the biome he/she studied in class. To complement the biome/animals projects, students will complete a small, at-home project as well by creating a shoebox diorama of the biome in which their animal lives.

Below are guidelines for the dioramas:

1. Use a regular size shoebox (i.e., not one for knee-high boots!)

2. Fill in all background and interior sides with detail to reflect the physical environment/landscape of your animal habitat/biome.

3. Include biome-specific plants and biome-specific animals found in this biome. Focus on creating these with paper, clay, etc. instead of using too many plastic, store-bought items.

4. Title your diorama with the name of your animal and its biome for example, “Morpho Butterfly, Rainforest”

5. Label 5 key features in your diorama (can be animals, plants, trees, flowers, land features, etc.)

6. Paint, or cover with paper, the exterior sides of your shoebox.

7.  Complete this map, facts, bibliography page and attach it to the back of your box.

8. Here is the rubric containing the criteria for grading your diorama.

*You may use straw, felt, cotton balls, paint, marker, colored paper, string, Astroturf, sandpaper, clay, fabric or any other material that helps you in creating a biome that looks as realistic as possible. You can also use objects found in nature such as twigs, rocks, sand and pinecones. Be inventive and imaginative!