Artifact Analysis Worksheet
1. PHYSICAL QUALITIES OF THE ARTIFACT
Describe the material from which it was made: bone, pottery, metal,
wood, stone, leather, glass, paper, cardboard, cotton, wood, plastic, other material.
__________________________________________________________________
2. SPECIAL QUALITIES OF THE ARTIFACT
Describe how it looks and feels: shape, color, texture, size,
weight, movable parts, anything printed, stamped or written on it.
__________________________________________________________________
3. USES OF THE ARTIFACT
A. What might it have been used for?
_________________________________
B. Who might have used it? ________________________________________
C. Where might it have been used?
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D. When might it have been used? ___________________________________
4. WHAT DOES THE ARTIFACT TELL US
A. What does it tell us about technology of the time in which it was
made and used?
__________________________________________________________________
B. What does it tell us about the life and times of the people who
made it and used it?
__________________________________________________________________
C. Can you name a similar item today?
__________________________________________________________________
5. BRING A SKETCH, A PHOTOGRAPH, OR THE ARTIFACT
LISTED IN 4C ABOVE TO CLASS.
Designed and developed by the
Education Staff, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC 20408.