Artifact Analysis Worksheet

1. TYPE OF ARTIFACT
Describe the material from which it was made: bone, pottery, metal, wood, stone, leather, glass, paper, cardboard, cotton, wood, plastic, other material.

2. SPECIAL QUALITIES OF THE ARTIFACT
Describe how it looks and feels: shape, color, texture, size, weight, movable parts, anything printed, stamped or written on it.

3. USES OF THE ARTIFACT
A. What might it have been used for?


B. Who might have used it?


C. Where might it have been used?


D. When might it have been used?

4. WHAT DOES THE ARTIFACT TELL US
A. What does it tell us about technology of the time in which it was made and used?


B. What does it tell us about the life and times of the people who made it and used it?


C. Can you name a similar item today?

5. BRING A SKETCH, A PHOTOGRAPH, OR THE ARTIFACT LISTED IN 4C ABOVE TO CLASS.

Adapted from the design developed by the Education Staff, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC 20408.