Artifacts activity

The artifacts activity was one of my favorites because it was something that I could think of that represents our great country. While thinking about the artifacts the first thing I thought up was the American Flag because it represents who we are as a nation. All states are represented as well as the 13 original colonies that formed our country. When I think of things across our country being left behind I think of our interstate system. There is nothing like it in this world and it has made our country what it is today. We can travel pretty much anywhere at a rapid speed on the ground. The interstate system opened our entire country up for business and tourism. If we were to suddenly be buried and discovered hundreds of years down the road I think our interstate system would be something that gives great insight into who we were as a nation.  I also brought in some old newspaper clippings because those tell stories of the events that shaped us as a nation. Many people save newspapers and if those were found hundreds of years from now they would tell the story of what was going on in a certain time period of our country.  Some of us brought in a Bible for this activity because that shows that we were a God fearing nation that has religious roots. Those religious beliefs helped build our nation strong and make it our democracy a light for the world to see and come to in times of need. I think the United States has played in important role in making the whole world a better place for everyone. This activity is a powerful one to get students to think about where they come from and what they believe we are as a Nation. Students have to think about what the United States means to them and to the rest of the world and this is a great activity to help get that process started.