Conduct research online and in books to compile a list of forest-dwelling creatures. Include plant species, insects, fungi and animals for a complete picture as these must interact with each other to sustain life.
Cut the top and one side panel from a cardboard box to create an exposed presentation surface in which to make your ecosystem.
Create a backdrop for your forest by cutting a circle from yellow construction paper and gluing it to a blue sheet to represent the sun in the sky. Glue the sheet to the box wall opposite the exposed front. Glue two more blue sheets to the remaining interior walls.
Cover the floor of the box with dirt, twigs, leaves and small pieces of mushroom to represent the important role healthy soil and fungi play in the forest ecosystem.
Cut a sheet of blue construction paper into a curving strip and glue it to the floor of your box near the front to demonstrate the presence of water in the forest ecosystem.
Create miniature trees by gluing leaves to small branches and setting them upright throughout the box. Use a variety of leaves to represent the diversity in the forest trees.
Place plastic animals and insects between the trees to represent at least 10 creatures found in the forest. Ensure the pieces you choose are true forest ecosystem residents. For example, while a black bear would be a good choice for your scene, placing a polar bear in your box would be unwise as a forest is not its natural habitat.
Label the forest ecosystem elements with a marker. Include soil, water, fungi, plants, animals and insects. Prepare a three-page report explaining how these elements work together to form the ecosystem. Glue the pages to the exterior walls of the box.