The Hidden Life of Artifacts
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 3D OBJECTS Introduce students to historical inquiry through hands-on exploration of artifacts. Each lesson can be adapted for use with objects from any historical era. Artifact Analysis … Learn More
Grade Level: Grades 3-5
Industry and Innovation
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 3D OBJECTS Complete an in-depth exploration of a common household item to uncover the history hidden in everyday objects. Show Me a Flowerpot By comparing and contrasting … Learn More
Transportation History
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 2D OBJECTS, 3D OBJECTS Explore Chicago’s prominent role in the history of the railroads through transportation artifacts—both past and present. The Golden Spike Students will read “Joseph’s … Learn More
The Great Migration
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 2D OBJECTS, 3D OBJECTS Gain empathy and understanding of the people who participated in one of the biggest population shifts in US history. Travelers in Time By … Learn More
Growing Up in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 2D OBJECTS, 3D OBJECTS Investigate artifacts from these remarkable decades to learn about the fads and fancies that shaped Chicago in the late twentieth century. Smiley Face … Learn More
Chicago Architecture
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 2D OBJECTS, 3D OBJECTS Discover the basics of architecture and Chicago’s important role in architectural history though artifacts and design-and-build projects. The Art of Construction Taking on … Learn More
History Through Opposing Eyes: America and Protest
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 2D OBJECTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, DOCUMENTS Great changes and events in history have often started with protest. From town hall meetings and rallies to demonstrations and war, protest has … Learn More
Playing in Chicago
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 3D OBJECTS, DOCUMENTS From bicycles to electric trains to paper dolls, Chicagoland was once home to an enormous toy industry. Chicago companies brought new kinds of toys … Learn More
The First Ferris Wheel
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: 2D OBJECTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, DOCUMENTS When the Ferris wheel was introduced it inspired awe and wonder. The world’s first Ferris wheel was invented for Chicago’s Columbian Exposition of … Learn More
Through the Camera’s Lens: The Civil War in Photographs
PRIMARY SOURCE TYPE: PHOTOGRAPHS This unit uses the work of the studio of Mathew Brady to explore the process of photography during the Civil War, discuss issues of early photojournalism, … Learn More