Time Travel Tots: Kindergarten Museum of History
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use artifacts to understand the past and present them in a way that teaches others about history?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What is an artifact and why is it important to learn about them?
- How do artifacts help us understand the past?
- What can we learn about people and their lives from the objects they used?
- How can we take care of artifacts to preserve history for others?
- Why is it important to ask questions about history and the past?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand what an artifact is and its role in learning about the past.
- Students will develop skills to analyze artifacts and extract historical information.
- Students will learn to create a representation of historical timelines with artifacts.
- Students will gain an appreciation for the importance of preserving historical items for future generations.
- Students will develop critical thinking skills by asking questions about history and exploring different perspectives.
Illinois Social Science Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsBuild-a-Time-Machine Challenge
Introduce the project by having students build a 'time machine' from craft supplies. The creative task allows them to imagine traveling to different eras and sparks questions about what they might discover or who they might meet, fostering historical inquiry.Artifact Story Time
Begin by reading a story about a character finding an ancient artifact at home. Invite kids to bring in objects from home that they think might be 'old' or have a story, thus linking the past with their own lives and sparking discussions about history.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Artifact Explorers
Students bring in objects from home that they think are 'old' or have a story to tell. They will learn how to identify and describe artifacts, understanding their roles in history exploration.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of 'artifacts' with stories, showcased in the classroom with labels and written descriptions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSS.H.K.3 - Recognize the importance of asking questions about history and the past by promoting inquiry through artifact discovery.Crafty Time Travelers
Students will create their own 'time machines' using various craft supplies to immerse themselves in the concept of time travel. This creative venture not only engages them but also ignites curiosity about different historical eras.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA creative time machine built from craft supplies, complete with an explanation of the chosen historical era.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSS.H.K.2 - Explain how people learn about the past by encouraging historical curiosity.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioTime Travel Tots: Artifact and Time Machine Exploration Rubric
Artifact Analysis
Evaluates students' ability to recognize and describe artifacts' historical significance.Artifact Identification
Assessing ability to identify and bring an artifact considered historical.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student identifies multiple artifacts with clear historical significance and provides detailed explanations for each.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student identifies an artifact with historical significance and provides a clear explanation.
Developing
2 PointsThe student identifies an artifact but provides limited explanation of its historical significance.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student struggles to identify an artifact and provides little or no explanation of its significance.
Inquiry and Discussion
Evaluates participation in discussions about artifacts and asking historical questions.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student actively participates in discussions, asking insightful questions and providing thoughtful responses about artifacts.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student participates in discussions, asking relevant questions and providing responses about artifacts.
Developing
2 PointsThe student participates occasionally, asking a few questions with guidance.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student struggles to participate in discussions and rarely asks questions about artifacts.
Creative Exploration
Assesses creativity and imagination in the design and explanation of time machines.Design and Creativity
Evaluates creativity and inventiveness in designing the time machine.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student designs a highly creative and imaginative time machine with detailed features representing a historical era.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student designs a creative time machine with identifiable features related to a historical era.
Developing
2 PointsThe student creates a basic time machine with limited features.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student requires guidance to complete the time machine design, with minimal creativity shown.
Historical Understanding
Evaluates understanding of chosen historical era in the time machine explanation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe student explains the chosen historical era with clear, age-appropriate understanding and insightful reasoning.
Proficient
3 PointsThe student explains the chosen historical era with clear understanding and relevant reasoning.
Developing
2 PointsThe student provides a basic explanation of the chosen historical era with limited reasoning.
Beginning
1 PointsThe student struggles to explain the chosen historical era with minimal understanding.