Lesson: From Object to Exhibit: Telling Our Stories Through Artifacts

Published on February 11, 2026

From Object to Exhibit: Telling Our Stories Through Artifacts

Freedom 250

📝 Overview

This 60-minute lesson uses a collection of artifacts to help students learn more about US culture. Students practice descriptive language and think about how objects tell stories. Students interact with artifacts and use prompts to observe, connect, and reflect. Finally, students choose items from their own lives to help tell their stories.

📚 Teacher Goals

This lesson plan (LP) guides teachers to:
  • guide students to look carefully at objects 
  • model explaining and supporting choices
  • help students consider the connection between objects and stories

🎯 Student Goals

As a result of this lesson, students will be able to:
  • practice using descriptive and creative language
  • learn vocabulary used to describe and discuss museum exhibits
  • practice critical thinking skills as they consider how artifacts are used to curate stories
Two photos from museums: A displayed book of the U.S. Constitution; a model house in a museum space

📖 Key Vocabulary

Below, you can find key vocabulary related to From Object to Exhibit: Telling Our Stories Through Artifacts. You will find a glossary of definitions on page 17 of the downloadable lesson plan.
 
  • artifact
  • audience
  • collection
  • curate
  • curator
  • exhibit
  • museum
  • object
  • reflect
A group of people standing around a museum exhibit looking at items on the wall
 
 
 
From_Object_to_Exhibit_Telling_Our_Stories_Through_Artifacts_DoS.docx
From_Object_to_Exhibit_Telling_Our_Stories_Through_Artifacts_DoS.pdf
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