Building Background
Historic Artifacts
The purpose of this activity is to provide an opportunity for students to examine historic artifacts to determine if they were designed to help people survive or to make their lives more enjoyable.
1. Show students copies of the artifacts listed below. Ask students to determine if each object was created to help people survive or to make their lives more enjoyable. Hang copies of the images on the board.
Designs to Help People Survive:
Compass used on the Lewis and Clark expedition, 1804-6 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=55
Hatchet presented to Davy Crockett in 1835 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=98
Life preserver worn by Major John Wesley Powell during exploration of the Green and Colorado Rivers, 1869 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=267
Barbara McClintock's microscope, 1940s-50s http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=84
Vials of polio vaccine, 1954 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=171
Jarvik-7 artificial heart, 1985 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=172
Designs for Enjoyment:
Stradivari violoncello, 1701 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=26
Cast-iron fire engine, about 1900 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=226
Teddy bear, about 1903 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=72
Array of autographed baseballs, 1950s-80s http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=122
Barbie doll, 1958 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=266
"Squash-blossom" necklace and earrings made by a Zuni silversmith in New Mexico, 1973 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=214
2. Have students choose the object from each category that they are the most interested in or that they like the most. Ask students to explain their choices.
Steps for Learning
Survival and Enjoyment
In this activity, students will consider objects that improve their lives.
1. Have students answer the questions on the "What Do I Like and Need?" worksheet. This worksheet may be completed as a whole-class, small group, or individual activity.
2. Provide time for students to share their work with the class.