History in Your Hands is an innovative, object-based instructional resource. The Chicago History Museum partnered with nineteen Chicago Public School teachers to develop classroom artifact kits and accompanying learning activities … Learn More
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 In this lesson, students will … Learn More
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 handmade and machine-made products, students … Learn More
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 Railroad Dreams,” a historical fiction story, to learn … Learn More
Gain empathy and understanding of the people who participated in one of the biggest population shifts in US history. Travelers in Time By examining artifacts from the era of the … Learn More
Investigate artifacts from these remarkable decades to learn about the fads and fancies that shaped Chicago in the late twentieth century. Smiley Face Circle Stories Students will explore artifacts from … Learn More
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 the roles of architect and builder, students … Learn More
Great changes and events in history have often started with protest. From town hall meetings and rallies to demonstrations and war, protest has instigated change in our society. The lessons … Learn More
During the Great Depression approximately 25 percent of working Americans lost their jobs, but how did this really affect the people who lived through those years, and how do our … Learn More
From bicycles to electric trains to paper dolls, Chicagoland was once home to an enormous toy industry. Chicago companies brought new kinds of toys to the market, including transportation toys, … Learn More
