Riparian Ecosystem Model Step-by-Step Guide for building your own model
The Finished Product
Getting started…find a box
Cover outside of box with paper
Go outside to find plants, rocks, twigs, moss, pebbles…
Here are a few objects I found outside…
Scrunch up paper to create a stream bank
Start building your stream with big rocks and small gravel…
Add some “trees”…
More vegetation added around the stream…
I used aluminum foil to act as the water in the stream…
A close-up shot of my stream… I used red beads to represent a redd of salmon eggs…
I used hot glue to make everything stick and stay in place…
Fallen branches create shade…
I added water to my stream… It looks cool!
This is my natural riparian ecosystem.
Another shot…
Added labels for my key….
Your Turn. Here is a list of suggested materials Your Turn! Here is a list of suggested materials. You can use other materials too! Rocks Pebbles Twigs Moss Branches Water Box Construction paper Paint Foil or plastic wrap Markers, crayons Scissors Hot glue Clay