
Since artifacts are primary sources, they play an important role in understanding the Grade 4 Unit of Inquiry’s central idea: Primary sources provide a unique insight into understanding cultural and personal histories. To help make this concept more meaningful, teacher Kerry Fitzharris introduced her students to the Great Grade 4 Artifact Guessing Game.
To start the game, each student brought in something that was an artifact in his or her life and wrote a single clue as to what their artifact was. The students then looked at all the artifacts and tried to guess the names and purposes behind the various artifacts. Look closely at the photos to see some of the items that the students brought in!
Afterward, the class talked about objects in their lives that might have existed 300 years ago, as well as objects that still might exist 300 years from now. They had an interesting discussion as they explored why some artifacts more than likely will or will not exist in the future.
Thanks to Ms. Fitzharris for the photos and information!