Interpreting Artifacts

Having just completed our study of the development of civilizations, you should know just how important practices like farming, writing, and irrigation were for early humans. Keep that in mind as you complete the following activity.

Instructions

You are an early human, living in a prehistoric society. You have just had the day of your life… What excitement! What action! What a thrilling day! You’ve been through a lot, and sit down to document your day in your Prehistoric Journal. However, there is one major problem – YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO WRITE!!!!!!

For this assignment:

·  You must create a picture representing three activities that happened to you during your PREHISTORIC day. Everything must be realistic of ancient times – no modern conveniences!

·  Look through your notes for inspiration. For your picture(s), think of any key inventions of that time, as well as major practices that were common.

·  Because these journal entries are from prehistory, they can contain no writing at all. Not one letter can be present on the paper.

·  Grading will be as follows:

o  This activity is worth 10 points total.

o  The 3 activities clearly shown in the picture will be worth 3 points each.

o  One point will be awarded for presentation, color, and neatness.

You are an archaeologist who has just made a major breakthrough. You have just uncovered a journal from prehistoric times! This could be the find of the century, but there is one big problem – NO WRITING! Since there is no writing in the journal, it is your job to interpret the events represented in the picture(s).

PART ONE (3 Points)

While analyzing the image, make notes on the top section of the page. You should list the three (or more) events you think made up this person’s day.

PART TWO (7 Points)

After you finish taking notes, you are to write paragraph (6 or more sentences) describing the events of the caveman’s day. This should focus on what you think, based on what is in the picture.

Writing Rubric

Does the story/ paragraph describe three events in the journal entry?

3 Points / 2 Points / 1 Point / 0 Points
Three events are referenced in the story. / Two events are referenced in the story. / One event is referenced in the story. / No events are referenced in the story.

Does the story/ paragraph tell a reasonable story in a logical order?

2 Points / 1 Point / 0 Points
Yes, the story is presented in a logical order and “makes sense.” / The story is presented in a somewhat logical order and mostly “makes sense.” / No, the story is not presented in a logical order and does not “make sense.”

Does the story/ paragraph reference the picture at least once?

1 Point / 0 Points
Yes, the story is references the picture at least once. / No, the story does not reference anything in the picture.

Is the story/ paragraph confusing due to spelling and grammar errors?

1 Point / 0 Points
There are less than four errors. / There are four or more errors.

Some advice:

1. Be creative – give the fictional caveman (or woman) a name, and describe their day to the best of your ability.

2. Use transitions – Try to create a logical sequence of events. (use “first, next, then, finally…”)

3. Use what is in the picture – Don’t stray too far from what is included in the image. The best archaeologists make educated guesses, but also rely on facts

Archaeologist Name______Period______

The Official Story:

______