Context:

The Artifacts in Our Lives

Document Your Place on the Planet

What stories do artifacts tell?

The artifacts in our lives are a vital part of our living history. An artifact, or a human-made object, physically exists in a place at different moments in time. It can contain historical and cultural memories. In which ways do artifacts connect us to our own history, culture, family, and place? What does the story of an artifact tell us about ourselves?

Many artifacts are passed down from generation to generation, becoming a part of our family and cultural heritage. Some examples include family photographs, medals from war, jewelry, religious items, diaries, old coins or stamps, kitchen items, clothing, or literature. Artifacts are all around us. They can be found in our homes, gardens, streets, parks, and churches, among other locations. Anything that provides more evidence about the cultural, economic, historical, religious, and social aspects of our society could be considered an artifact. Preserved in museums around the world, artifacts tell the stories of humanity’s downfalls, achievements, and innovations.

Imagine the artifact not in a spotlight by itself, but rather against a variegated backdrop of people, places, and events.

Steven Lubar and Kathleen Kendrick

An article from the Smithsonian Institution suggests different ways to think about artifacts. They include the following:

• Artifacts tell their own stories.

• Artifacts connect people.

• Artifacts capture moments.

• Artifacts reflect changes.

The aim of this contest is to challenge students to examine the value of artifacts from multiple perspectives. “Imagine the artifact not in a spotlight by itself, but rather against a variegated backdrop of people, places, and events.”^[1] What story emerges?

1. Steven Lubar and Kathleen Kendrick, “Looking at Artifacts, Thinking about History.” Smithsonian Education. [^]

Examples of Photographs of Artifacts in our Lives:

Please take into account personal privacy when taking photographs of anything in your home

Possible Questions:

1) Photograph an artifact and think about its story. What memories of your cultural and family heritage exist within the objects of your life?

• What informed your decision to take your photograph?

• How old is the artifact? Describe the artifact’s place in time. What meaning might it have throughout history—past, present, and future?

• How does this artifact connect to other people beyond who it belongs to? Does the artifact have a function?

• Where was the artifact made? How was it made and who made it?

• Where does the artifact live? Is this artifact important to you and/or your family? Has the artifact been passed down from generation to generation?

• Does the artifact bring forth memories? If so, what memories?

• In what ways does the artifact connect to a “set values” or beliefs?

• Would you like to see this artifact preserved for the future? Why?

If you LOVE your photograph - consider entering your photograph into this competition.

2) Choose one of the following digital means of reflection to share your feelings, reactions and /or responses - make sure you add your picture to your response.

• Blogging (How to create a googlesites)

• Writing (Examples of how to write a Reflection)

• Podcasts (Starting Your Podcast)

• Journaling (Using google.docs to Journal)

• Sketch noting (Getting Started with Sketch noting)

• Creating Videos (How to Create YouTube Videos)

• Write a song (Writing Lyrics)

• Slam Poetry (Steve Colman - Wanna Hear a Poem)

• Dance (Choreograph Your Own Dance)

• Graphic Organizers (Google Drawings)

• Dance (Choreograph Your Own Dance)

• Photo Essays (Steps for Photo Essays)

How to Create a Photo Essay

• "How To Handbook" Writing - (Technical Writing)

Handbook Writing - Online course

Consider adding the #WalkMyWorld Hashtag to your reflections if you decide to share them with social media.

The more creative the better.....:)