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Time Capsule Challenge
K–12 Resource: Field Trip Activities
Pre-Visit Activity: Explore how objects tell stories by creating a personal time capsule that shows who you are, what you like, and the community you belong to
Project Details
- Grade Level 3–5
- Subject Visual Arts
- Resource Type Field Trip Activities
Learning Objectives
In this activity, you will:
- learn how objects can tell stories about people and communities
- choose objects that show different parts of your life
- explain what your objects might teach people in the future about life today
- get ready to explore the stories behind objects at the Getty Museum
Materials Needed
- Paper
- Pencils
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
Assignment
Clues for the Future
What if someone 100 years from now wanted to learn all about you and your life? Create a time capsule by choosing objects that give clues about who you are and what your world is like today. A time capsule is a group of objects that is saved so people in the future can learn about the past.
Choose five objects to include from the categories below. You do not need to bring the real objects. You may write their names or draw pictures of them.
Build Your Time Capsule
Pick one object for each category. You may choose one of the examples or think of your own. On a sheet of paper, write the name of each object or draw a picture of it.
Object #1: Something You Use Often
Choose something you use almost every day.
Examples:
- backpack
- water bottle
- toy
- school notebook
Under the name or drawing, write one or two sentences for each question:
- Why do you use this object?
- What could this object teach someone about your day?
Object #2: Something You Created
Choose something you made.
Examples:
- painting
- craft project
- story
- LEGO creation
Under the name or drawing, write one or two sentences for each question:
- What does this object show about your ideas or skills?
- Why is it important to you?
Object #3: A Photograph
Choose a photograph that is meaningful to you.
Examples:
- family photo
- vacation photo
- photo with friends
- photo from a special event
Under the name or drawing, write one or two sentences for each question:
- What story does this photograph tell?
- What could someone in the future learn from this photo?
Object #4: Something About an Interest or Hobby
Choose an object connected to something you enjoy.
Examples:
- soccer ball
- book
- musical instrument
- art supplies
Under the name or drawing, write one or two sentences for each question:
- What does this object show that you enjoy doing?
- Why is this interest or hobby important to you?
Object #5: Something Connected to Your Community
Choose an object that represents your family, school, neighborhood, or community.
Examples:
- photo from a school event
- library card
- flyer from a community event or festival
- menu from a favorite restaurant
Under the name or drawing, write one or two sentences for each question:
- What does this object show about your family, school, neighborhood, or community?
- Why is this object part of your story?
Share Your Time Capsule
Talk with a partner about one of the objects you included. Explain what you chose and what someone in the future could learn from it.
Optional Activity: Time Capsule Wall
Display everyone's time capsules on a classroom wall. Take a gallery walk to discover the objects your classmates chose to tell their stories.
Get Ready for the Getty
Museums save artworks and objects so people can learn about different lives, places, and times. During your field trip to the Getty Museum, ask yourself: What story might this object tell? What can it teach us? What questions do I have about it?