Here, we encourage you to begin by thinking about what you already know and articulate what you wish to find out about an object or artifact. Choose an artifact and lead a classroom discussion, in a small cluster or a large group.

Discuss what you know or believe to be true about the artifact and make a list of those things. (This may include such things as the materials from which the artifact is made or its intended use.) What evidence do you have for your beliefs?

Make another list of what you would like to know about the artifact. (This may include such things as the age of the object or why it has been collected by a museum.)

Discuss how you would find answers to the questions you raised about the artifact. What are the most reliable ways to find the information?