Your assignment is to become the curator of your own collection. You'll work with a group to identify a theme for your collection and collect related objects. You'll present the collection and its theme to the class when you are done.
|
|
First you'll create a theme for your collection. Following are some examples, but you can come up with your own idea if you want to. Use the Theme Statement organizer to write down your theme and mission.
- Life in our community
- Family life in the early 21st century
- Products from around the world
- Objects from nature
|
|
Second, everyone in the group will bring in one or more objects (artifacts) to be part of your collection. All the objects need to be related to the theme. Some guidelines for the artifacts:
- Ordinarily available objects that you find, make, or borrow. Must cost under $1 if there is any need to purchase.
- Common sense rules: no animals, nothing toxic, nothing of major monetary value.
- If you borrow an item, be sure to get permission from the owner and return the item promptly.
|
|
Third, you'll work as a group to make sure all the objects belong in the collection. Some guidelines for choosing and critiquing the artifacts:
- Review the theme at the beginning of the discussion. Have each person explain why he or she chose their artifact.
- Always explain the rationale behind the artifact you chose.
- Listen carefully to each person's rationale and try to understand it. Comment on the strengths and weaknesses of their argument, starting with the strengths.
- Relate your critique back to the theme. If the group decides an object doesn't relate to the theme, then discuss alternatives and decide who will bring a new artifact.
- Make sure your comments demonstrate that you have reflected seriously on the theme and the artifact.
- You must participate during the critique.
|
| 4. |
Next you'll write cards to present each artifact in your collection. Each card should describe the following things:
- The name of the artifact (if there is one).
- A description of the artifact: 2-3 sentences that describe the object and say briefly how it contributes to the collection.
- The place and time of the artifact. (For instance, in a collection of objects from foreign countries, you might have a postcard from another country. Note the country and date the postcard was sent. For an exhibition on 21st century family life, you might bring an ordinary household object from home. In that case, list your town or neighborhood and the year.)
- On the back of the card you can make notes, such as the name of the person who lent you the object.
|
| 5. |
Finally, you'll choose one member of your group to present the theme of the collection to the class. Then, each member of the group must present one object and talk about why it was included in your collection. You don't have to present your own object - you can divide up the objects any way you like. Everyone has to present one object, but you don't have to present all the objects in the collection.
|
Student Pathway Organizer