The question you will answer in this FACTivity is: How are diatoms important parts of an ecosystem? In this FACTivity you will create your own model of a diatom. Materials: Bubble solution (purchased or make your own using 1 part dish soap to 10 parts water) Drinking straws (two per student) Yard, cut into 2-foot sections (1 piece per student) Tray with edges (to hold the bubble solution) Topics: Wildlife, Algae, Aquatic, Diatom, Making a Model.