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How to Make Wetlands Diorama

Wetlands exist almost everywhere in the world and come in two very different forms. Coastal wetlands are at or near the ocean's edge and are a result of flood waters from the changing tides. The second type of wetlands are inland and are found near bodies of fresh water. Inland wetlands are usually bogs or swamps, but can also be the areas directly surrounding ponds and lakes, where the soil is constantly waterlogged. Both types of wetlands are unique and, depending on the location, climate and water source, will contain different animals, plants, insects and even microscopic organisms. Before beginning construction of a wetlands diorama, a knowledge of the type of wetlands being portrayed and the flora and fauna that reside there is necessary.

Things You'll Need

Poster board
Styrofoam base
Aluminum foil, cellophane or resin
Permanent markers
Model animals, birds, plants and trees
Appropriate natural substances (dirt, twigs, pebbles)
Glue
Scissors
Carving or cutting tools for Styrofoam
Paint
Large Books

Instructions

Lay of the Land
- 1
  Cut and carve the Styrofoam base to create the landscape. Cut depressions into the foam for bodies of water and use these pieces, glued to the flat areas, to create hills or mountains.
- 2
  Color the landscape with paint or permanent markers. Because these areas will later be covered, brown for dirt, green for grass and blue for water will suffice.
- 3
  Create the water, which can be made with aluminum foil colored blue with a marker or mirrors covered with blue cellophane.
- 4
  Cover the brown areas with glue and sprinkle the areas with dirt, sand or pebbles to create the soiled areas of land.
- 5
  Repeat Step 4 with the green areas and the grasses or moss.
Background
- 6
  Fold a piece of poster board in half so that it lines two or three sides of the landscape. If more than one piece of poster board is required, tape the seams on the back of the poster board.
- 7
  Create the background with paint, markers or any other appropriate materials. The background can be created to provide more depth to the landscape, sky, clouds or even rain.
- 8
  Attach the background to the foam base by placing a line of glue around the lower edge of the poster board and pressing it to the sides of the base. Large books can be placed against the back of the poster board until the glue dries.
Finishing Touches
- 9
  Starting at the back of the diorama, place the animals and plants that are appropriate to the wetlands.

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