As an educator, I am constantly seeking innovative ways to engage my students and make learning more meaningful. When it comes to teaching history, one approach stands out for its ability to captivate young minds and foster a deeper understanding of the past: teaching history with historical artifacts. Looking for different artifacts and accompanying teaching/learning materials, I recently came across a great resource for history teachers.
"Teaching History with 100 Objects" is a website developed by the British Museum, in partnership with the Department for Education, to support history teaching in schools. The website features 100 objects from the British Museum's collection, from different time periods and includes a description of its historical context and significance, high-quality images from multiple angles and teaching ideas and activities that teachers can use in the classroom. The website aims to inspire and support teachers in using museum objects to teach history in an engaging and interactive way. It also provides opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, observation, and interpretation skills. The website is free to access and is a valuable resource for history teachers, students, and anyone interested in exploring the British Museum's collection. Through this resource, teachers can transport their students through time and provide a tangible connection to historical events and cultures.
So, why is teaching history with objects so effective?
Tangible Connections: Objects have a unique ability to transcend time and space, allowing students to connect with the past in a way that textbooks and lectures can't replicate. By observing artifacts, students develop a multi-sensory understanding of historical contexts, making the subject more accessible and memorable.
Storytelling and Contextualization: Each object has a story to tell, and its significance can be interpreted and analyzed, encouraging critical thinking and creativity. By placing objects within their historical context, teachers can help students grasp complex events and periods, making the past feel more real and relatable.
Emotional Resonance and Empathy: Objects can evoke emotions and empathy, enabling students to connect with historical events and people on a personal level. This emotional resonance helps students develop a deeper understanding of the human experiences that shaped history.
Interdisciplinary Learning and Primary Sources: Objects can be used to teach various subjects, from art and science to culture and history. As primary sources, objects provide firsthand evidence of historical events, allowing students to develop essential skills in observation, description, and interpretation.
Inquiry-Based Learning and Relevance: Objects can spark curiosity, encouraging students to ask questions and investigate further. By exploring objects, students can see the relevance of history to their own lives and the world around them, making the subject more engaging and meaningful.
Check out “Teaching History with 100 Objects” if you want ideas on how to develop critical thinking, observation skills, foster empathy as well as encourage creativity in your history class here: https://www.teachinghistory100.org/
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