Third graders at Forest Elementary explored early Native American life in Michigan through a creative shoebox diorama project. Focusing on the Ojibwa, Ottawa, Potawatomi, and Huron tribes, students built detailed scenes showing homes, environments, and daily activities.

They presented their dioramas to classmates, explaining what they learned about each tribe. Students also wrote historical narratives from the perspective of a Native American child, describing how people lived, what they ate, how they gathered food, and what they did for fun.

This project helped students combine art, writing, and history while gaining a deeper understanding of Native American life in Michigan.