Third graders were happy to used mixed media to create their Michigan coastal settings. They created the shoreline with puzzle pieces painted green to simulate ground. Most had time to embellish their sandy beach with added shells.

The large ones came from Lake Michigan last summer, collected when visiting one of my favorite beaches in Charlevoix. Zebra mussels have invaded the  Great Lakes from vessels that travel inland from salty waters.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources provided the paper models (albeit smaller) on their website. You can find lots of art related projects and drawing tutorials  dealing with the  great variety of animals and plants from Michigan.