Exploring the Red River: Objects from the Past
Historians and anthropologists sometimes study the objects that people used in the past to learn more about their lives. They may learn about children's lives by looking at old toys, or more about a family's diet by examining cookware, farm implements, or fishing equipment. Decorative objects can be clues to a family's income.
Object analysis is a particularly effective technique for elementary and secondary classrooms because of its "hands-on" appeal. Handling real objects is a natural first step for young people in thinking about the past.
You may be able to set up a temporary learning center or exploration table with objects that relate to your class's research topics. Post a sign inviting students to examine the items and attach labels like this to the display area:
Cast-iron skillet
ca. 1930
From the collection of Irene Spigner, Fouke, Arkansas
Next, guide a class discussion of several objects. Ask about each item,
What is its size and shape?
What is it made of?
If it is a picture, drawing, sculpture, or other representation, what is its content?
How do you think the owner used the object? How do you know? How can you find out?
Does the object indicate anything about the life of the community where it was made and used?
Students can draw or photograph the objects. For photographs, use color slide film, fabric backdrops of white or black to provide contrast, and strong lighting. Take several shots of each object to ensure that you get a good picture. Assign a number to each object and mark drawings or slides as well as object forms (see below). Pictures of objects can become part of your school's historical archive.
Students can use information from historical objects in factual reports, fictional stories, drawings, and other interpretations of local history.
Involve Families!
Many local residents will have keepsakes that are interesting clues to your community's past. Ask parents, grandparents, and other community members to bring their historic objects to the classroom for a one-time demonstration, or lend them to the class for prolonged study.
Security for historical objects will be very important. Plan how you will protect and store the loaned items before undertaking an artifact study.
Adapt the following sample letter to fit your particular curriculum objectives or research topics.
Dear Families:
Our class is researching life in the Red River Basin during the period (1900-1950). We are looking for historical artifacts, particularly (toys and farm implements). These items will be securely stored and available for students to examine only with adult supervision. If you can lend objects to the class for us to study, please complete this form and contact me at (tel. number) to arrange pick-up or delivery of the object. Or call me if you would like to visit the class to show us irreplacable or fragile items. Thank you for your help with our research!
Please provide the following information for each item you provide:
Owner's Name
Address/Telephone
Type of Object Estimated Age of Object
How did you obtain this object?
Do you have information such as stories or photographs about how this object was used?
(Teacher's name)
© Red River Rural Schools Partnership 1998
|
| |||
