Decide which ecosystem will be portrayed in the model. There are thousands of options. Choose an ecosystem that would be easy to replicate in the cardboard and paper format. This is the usual format for classroom displays.
Determine the biotic and abiotic parts of the ecosystem so they can be labeled in the model. Biotic parts would include live creatures and plants. Abiotic would be the temperature, climate, weather, soil composition and other characteristics of the ecosystem. Make a list of each.
Create images for each component of the ecosystem and print onto paper backed with stiff cardstock. Choose clip art images from the Internet, download them to your computer's hard drive and then open them using imaging software to enlarge and label them. Print and cut out the images using sharp scissors.
Arrange the ecosystem clip art so that there is a logical relationship between the different components. This prepares you for presenting the cycle or energy flow from one part of the ecosystem to another. It is an order that shows the relationship or the community, as well as the hierarchy and food chain.
Place the different components of the ecosystem onto a display board in a circular pattern demonstrating the energy flow. Complete circles that display the clip art and text moving clockwise across the display board is the best way to logically communicate the system to your audience.
Connect the ecosystem components with arrows either drawn onto the display board or cut from colored paper and attached with white school glue. If the ecosystem model will accompany a speech, placing Velcro onto the backs the clip art and the arrows will let you move the different pieces as you talk about them.
Complete the ecosystem model display board by adding a title to the top of the board and explanatory text to the bottom of the board. The text should consist of short numbered sentences that explain each step of the cycle and correspond with the clip art and arrows on the rest of the board. Think of a legend on a map.