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.

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