1. Riparian Ecosystem Model
Step-by-Step
Guide for building your own model

2. The Finished Product

3. Getting started…find a box

4. Cover outside of box with paper

5. Go outside to find plants, rocks, twigs, moss, pebbles…

6. Here are a few objects I found outside…

7. Scrunch up paper to create a stream bank

8. Start building your stream with big rocks and small gravel…

9. Add some “trees”…

10. More vegetation added around the stream…

11. I used aluminum foil to act as the water in the stream…

12. A close-up shot of my stream… I used red beads to represent a redd of salmon eggs…

13. I used hot glue to make everything stick and stay in place…

14. Fallen branches create shade…

15. I added water to my stream… It looks cool!

16. This is my natural riparian ecosystem.

17. Another shot…

18. Added labels for my key….

19. 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