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Time Capsule Lesson

Key Terms

document, history, archive, preservation

Key Tools and Documents

timeline, document of Fifth Ward School, 1908, contemporary photographs

Guiding Questions

What were schools like? What is a document? How can you 'read' a document to learn about the past? What documents would you choose to teach others about yourself?

Class Activities

In small groups students examine Photo-Fifth Ward School (1908) and create a Venn diagram to describe similarities and differences between schoolrooms then and now.
1. Based on this photo, do you think school was different or the same in 1908 than it is today?
2. Would you want to be student from 1908 or a student today? Why?
In large group students share responses. If possible, draw Venn diagram on blackboard and write in student responses.

Time Capsule Requirements

The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize students with the ways in which historians use documents and artifacts to study the past. Photographs, letters, collections and other objects have stories to tell. Ask students to imagine that historians in the future want to learn about them. What documents and objects do students feel would best tell their stories? As a class, students will write a letter describing themselves and the purpose of this activity. Students will then develop a list of objects and documents to include in a time capsule. The list should be developed as a class; time capsules can either be assembled individually or collectively depending on the teacher's preference. Sample documents/objects might include:

photographs
letters
diaries
games/video games
fads (pokemon, crazy bones, etc.)
music (tapes, CDs, etc.)
clothing
candy (nerds, m & m's, etc.)
friendship bracelets
sporting equipment
collectibles (stamps, coins, baseball cards, comic books, etc.)
drawings
maps
newspapers
stories or legends
videotapes

Students should compile a list of ten to fifteen objects and documents. They should also include a brief explanation for why they chose each item—what do they think the item will tell future historians? What does the item reveal about them? Lists can be shared in class the following day. Time capsules can either be assembled in class and kept at school, or students may work on them at home with their parents.

Time Capsule Worksheets by Bach Elementary first and second graders