Students will do the following:

• identify objects that were designed to help people to survive and to enjoy themselves
• compare and contrast how daily life changes through time

• "What Do I Like and Need?" worksheet
• Internet websites

• copies of the historic artifacts listed in the activity

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 https://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=55

Hatchet presented to Davy Crockett in 1835 https://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 https://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=267

Barbara McClintock's microscope, 1940s-50s https://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=84

Vials of polio vaccine, 1954 https://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=171

Jarvik-7 artificial heart, 1985 https://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=172

Designs for Enjoyment:

Stradivari violoncello, 1701 https://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=26

Cast-iron fire engine, about 1900 https://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=226

Teddy bear, about 1903 https://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=72

Array of autographed baseballs, 1950s-80s https://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=122

Barbie doll, 1958          https://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=266

"Squash-blossom" necklace and earrings made by a Zuni silversmith in New Mexico, 1973                           https://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.