Topics: Historic Preservation; Social History
Suggested Grade Level: 2-6
Required Time: 30-45 minutes
Description:
Students learn how history museums preserve the past by examining the materials commonly collected by museums. In addition, students participate in a game, "Guess the Artifact," in which they have the opportunity to determine the purpose of historical artifacts that today are unfamiliar to most observers. Hands-on activities give the students the opportunity to connect with the artifacts and examine the historical context in which they were originally used.
Goals:
- Explain the importance of preserving items from the past for future generations
- Learn how historical artifacts preserve memory and relate stories of past human experiences
- Appreciate what life was like in the past so students can better contemplate their lives today
- Analyze the change and development of certain familiar items over time, such as those commonly found in the home
- Gain an awareness of the role of History Museums in sharing and protecting the items and stories of those who came before us
Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies related to the program:
- SS.Inq4: Wisconsin students will communicate and critique conclusions.
- SS.BH2: Wisconsin students will investigate and interpret interactions between individuals and groups.
- SS.BH4: Wisconsin students will examine the progression of specific forms of technology and their influence within various societies.
- SS.Econ2: Wisconsin students will analyze how decisions are made and interactions occur among individuals, households, and firms/businesses.
- SS.Econ3: Wisconsin students will analyze how an economy functions as a whole.
- SS.Geog4: Wisconsin students will evaluate the relationship between identity and place.
- SS.Hist2: Wisconsin students will analyze, recognize, and evaluate patterns of continuity and change over time and contextualization of historical events.
- SS.Hist3: Wisconsin students will connect past events, people, and ideas to the present; use different perspectives to draw conclusions; and suggest current implications.
- SS.Hist4: Wisconsin students will evaluate a variety of primary and secondary sources to interpret the historical context, intended audience, purpose, and/or author’s point of view.
