Artifact Boxes

Just can't seem to get the the Landmark? Let us come to you! Artifact boxes are a museum for the classroom! A variety of topics make them perfect for the busy teacher looking for supplemental instructional materials. Trunks include artifacts, graphics, and interpretive information with suggested questions and activities.

The Artifact Box program is made possible in part through a grant from the Lubbock City Council, as recommended by the Lubbock Arts Alliance. Junior High boxes are funded in part by a grant from the Texas Council for the Humanitites. Multilevel is funded by a grant from the Summerlee Foundation.


MULTILEVEL
Designed for grades four and up

Chert to Chocolate: Travel and Trade on the Southern High Plains
Economics and geography turns fun as students delve into the lives of Native Americans and frontier settlers to discover what people traded, how they made deals, and what they used for money. Transport yourself back in time to see how the business of buying and selling worked then and how it compares to today's world.

TEKS: Social Studies - History, Geography, Economics, Culture, Science, Technology & Society

 

 

GRADES 1 - 6

 

The Big Bison
This artifact box explores the importance of the bison to native peoples in this area. Students examine replicas of projectile points and real bison hide and bones. Imagining that they lived many years ago, they discover how necessary this animal was to survival.

TEKS: Science - System's Parts, Living Organisms;
Social Studies - Culture, History, Geography, Science,Technology, & Society

Time Travel 1: Life 10,000 years ago
The Clovis people lived on the Southern Plains 12,000 to 11,000 years ago, using large spear points to hunt the Columbian Mammoth. Examining artifacts, graphics, and interpretive material, students explore the lifeways of these early people.

TEKS: Social Studies - History, Culture, Science, Technology, & Society

Time Travel 2: Life 5,000 years ago
The title of this box reflects the area's climate 6,500 to 4,500 years ago. The number of animals in the area decreased and the Archaic peoples relied much more heavily on plant resources. In this study, students explore the lifeways of people living on the Southern Plains during periods of drought.

TEKS: Social Studies - History, Culture, Science, Technology, & Society

Time Travel 3: Life 2,000 years ago
Following the use of basketry for thousands of years, the Ceramic Period began about 2,000 years ago. Good natural clays were not available in this area, so local peoples traded for pottery with other groups throughout the Southwest. Investigating the contents of this box, students discover how these people made and used pottery.

TEKS: Social Studies - History, Culture, Science, Technology, & Society

Time Travel 4: Life 500 years ago
Students learn about the changes the Southern Plains people underwent up to and after contact with European explorers. Artifacts, graphics, and interpretive information help students understand concepts involving contact between native and non-native peoples.

TEKS: Social Studies - History, Culture, Science, Technology, & Society

An Indian Stone Tool Box
Because the chert and obsidian (materials used in making stone tools) did not occur naturally in this area, the Southern Plains people traveled on foot to trade for the different stones they needed. Once source was as far away as the Jemez (Hem-ez) Mountains of New Mexico. Students discover the technology used by native peoples, past and present, in making these tools.

TEKS: Science - Natural World;
Social Studies - History, Geography, Culture, Science,
Technology, & Society

GRADES 7 - 9

 

Exploring the Past Through Sediments
Students discover the differences between rocks and minerals, explore the world of diatoms, and examine specimens under a microscope. Participants compare sand, silt, and clay, and indulge in critical thinking activities based on their observations. Teachers must provide microscopes and adequate quantities of sand, silt, and clay for an optional activity.

TEKS: Science - System's Parts, Living Organisms;
Social Studies - Geography, Culture, Science, Technology & Society

Plants: Their Environments and Ancient Uses
Students learn about plants native to the Southern Plains and discover how the native peoples used them. Classes may choose to prepare native food items or learn basketry techniques to make baskets and mats. The teacher must provide basketry materials.

TEKS: Science - System's Parts, Living Organisms;
Social Studies - Geography, Culture, Science, Technology & Society

Ancient Animals and Hunting Methods
Native Americans found many uses for the bison. Students discuss these and learn about the weapons used in hunting these large beasts. They may wish to make an atlatl (spear thrower) and a spear, or investigate the native technique of tanning hides with the brain material of the animal. Teachers must provide production materials for the atlatl and spear and the hide and brain matter for the tanning exercise.

TEKS: Science - Force & Motion, Living Organisms;
Social Studies - History, Culture, Science, Technology & Society

Techniques of the Archaeologist
Students explore archaeological techniques, beginning with a survey of the school grounds, discovering artifact interpretation, and conducting mock excavations. Delving into the world of ethics, students debate the issues of science. Five class periods are needed to complete all of the activities in this box. Teachers provide graph paper, note paper, photocopying, and four "sand boxes" for artifact placement.

TEKS: Science - Field/Classroom Investigations, Tools, Scientific Inquiry, Critical Thinking/ Decision Making;
Social Studies - History, Culture, Science, Technology & Society

 

All inquiries regarding school programs should be directed to the Education Office at the Lubbock Lake Landmark: 806-742-1116.