Artifact Resource Guide
Genial.ly Interactive Presentation
Mystery Box Worksheet
Virtual Mystery Box
Overview
Archaeologists use evidence from sites and records to tell the story of peoples’ cultures. In this online activity, students will analyze a virtual "box" with 3D models of mystery artifacts from a specific location and time period to create a story about the people who used them. Encourage students to think about how these items connect to one another and what the artifacts can tell us about the people that used them.
This resource is part of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum’s open educational resources project to provide history, ecology, archaeology, and conservation resources related to our 560 acre public park. More of our content can be found on YouTube and SketchFab. JPPM is a part of the Maryland Historical Trust under the Maryland Department of Planning.
Introduction
Archaeologists use evidence from sites and records to tell the story of peoples’ cultures. In this online activity, students will analyze a virtual "box" with 3D models of mystery artifacts from a specific location and time period to create a story about the people who used them. Encourage students to think about how these items connect to one another and what the artifacts can tell us about the people that used them.
Attached documents can be printed or completed using a document editor. Students will need to use a computer with internet access to view the 3D model portion of the activity.
Materials Needed
- Computer with Internet Access
- Students will need the Genial.ly link below to access the 3D models for the activity
- Artifact Resource Document
- "Artifact Resource Guide.pdf" attached below
- Artifact Analysis Chart
- "Artifact Analysis Chart.pdf" attached below
- Mystery Box Worksheet
- "Mystery Box Worksheet" attached below
Activity
This activity is made to be performed in 3 main stages: Analysis, Inference, and Presentation. Before beginning, make sure all students have an Artifact Resource Document, Artifact Analysis Chart, Mystery Box Worksheet, and are able to load the Genial.ly page on a computer.
Artifact Analysis (20 minutes)
Objective: Students will record information about artifacts from the prehistoric inhabitants of Maryland using evidence from object analysis.
Materials: Computer, Artifact Resource Manuals
Procedure: Assist students with accessing and navigating the Genial.ly 3D models on their computers. Students may do the activity individually or in groups.
Students will:
● Analyze one artifact (groups of less than 6 will have to analyze more than one)
● Fill out the corresponding row on the Mystery Box Artifact Analysis sheet
● Students will share their answers with each other to fill out the entire sheet
Inferences Worksheet (20 minutes)
Objective: Students will be able to make inferences about how people lived based on artifacts and summarize their findings.
Materials: Mystery Box Worksheets
Procedure: Students will complete the worksheet in order to uncover the story of the artifacts from their mystery boxes by making inferences about the people who used them.
The Big Reveal - Presentations (10 minutes)
Objective: Students will be able to present their analysis and interpretation of their artifacts to their peers in the form of a story.
Procedure: Two students or groups will pair and present their stories to each other.