Language Arts/Social Studies Unit
Essential Questions: What
is an artifact? How can artifacts
teach us about history? How can we
determine what artifacts were used for?
Can artifacts be used in stories?
Enduring Understanding: The students will be able to identify an artifact as
something used in the past and talk about its use. They will be able to have an idea of when it was used, who
used it, and why. They will be
able to write a short story including the artifact in the story.
Assessment: Each
student will write a short story including the artifact in the story.
They will tell who is using
it and what its purpose is. The
setting will be the period that the artifact came from.
Materials:
á
Chalk and chalkboard
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Several artifacts from
the past (if available)
á
Photos of artifacts
á
Group
#1
á
Group
#2 (war artifacts)
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Writing Journal
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ÒArtifact RubricÓ
Suggested Procedures:
It is suggested this lesson be completed in one day as a whole group, later breaking down to groups of four to read stories in those groups.
1. Write
ÒArtifactsÓ on the board. Ask what
an artifact is. Record
answers.
Ask
for examples of artifacts. Record
answers. Ask if any students have
an artifact at home. Ask why we
keep artifacts. Show either real
artifacts or pictures of artifacts to the students and ask them what it is, who
would use it, when was it used, why was it used, etc.
2. Hand out a picture of an artifact to each
student. Have them tell a partner
what they think the artifact is, who used it, why, and when. Have them talk to their partner about a
story that could go with the artifact.
3. Students will write a short story (2-3 paragraphs)
using their artifact in the story.
Give each student a rubric to follow.
4. Group students into groups of four. Each student will read their story to the group.
5. Grade
studentsÕ stories according to the rubric.