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Summary and Objective
The students will understand that they can gain insight into the everyday life of 17th and 18th century America by systematically examining and answering questions about historical artifacts. This lesson will allow students to look at pictures of artifacts with partners or in small groups, ask and answer questions, then share information in large group presentations. The American Centuries Website will be used to gather additional information, identifying the function and history of the objects. In comparing historical objects to ones of the present time, students will discuss how the objects have changed in form or function.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Print and laminate color pictures of artifacts taken from the digital collection of the American Centuries Website to be used in the lesson. Omit labels and descriptions on cards.
Step 2.
Display a large chart board with posted questions to be used in teacher demonstration lesson. Use think-aloud techniques to model your thinking strategies. Students may only watch and listen, but may not offer suggestions. At the end of the lesson discuss the modeling session with students. Make similar worksheets for students, allowing spaces for their own questions.
Step 3.
The teacher will model using the following questions: 1) Describe the object. 2) Who would have used the object? (male,female,child,adult,rich,servant,etc.) 3) How was the object used? 4) Where would the object be used? 5) Is the object a necessity in everyday life? 6) What is the object?
Step 4.
Ask where one could look to find more information about the object. List possible sources at the bottom of the chart.
Step 5.
Partner or place students in small groups. Hand out laminated pictures and distribute worksheets. Leave teacher's chart board up for student reference.
Step 6.
Bring groups together and discuss conclusions about objects. Ask where they might locate other information about the objects to prove their guesses were plausible. Keep a list of the sources posted in the classroom for further investigations.
Step 7.
in a follow up activity review the American Centuries Website with students, modeling how they can find more information about their objects.
Step 8.
In conclusion, ask students to find pictures of present day objects that are used in the same way as their objects. How has the form or function of each changed over time? Pair the old and the new in a matching game or display.
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