Lost in the Attic
THE WEST AND THE WORLD (CHY 4U1)
Culminating - ARTIFACT ASSIGNMENT
DUE: ___________________
An artifact is a human made object that reveals characteristics of a particular culture during a
specific historical time period. The exchange of ideas between the West and the East, between
the colonizer and the colonized reached its height during the 19th century. “The Great Exchange”
created unique artifacts that were a blend of the traditions, resources or technology of two or
more nations. Each student will create an artifact based on thorough research. The artifact will
be clearly labeled with brief researched and sourced comments that document the exchange of
knowledge. Also include the responses to the focus questions which explain your creation.
Lastly you will provide an annotated bibliography.
*** In determining which artifact to choose attempt to choose one which is original, and most
importantly has some particularly unique significance to the era in which it was created.
Your submission will include
1. One manmade artifact – a model of an important artifact from your particular time
period, based on the tumbling culminating activities chart. The artifact must be
creative and as authentic as possible.
2. In approximately 1-2 pages research and respond to the following focus questions
regarding the history of this artifact using historical evidence.
a. What is this artifact? What were its uses? Who would have owned this? Why?
b. Who are the key players in the production of this artifact? Who are the artists,
craftspersons, and/or companies responsible for the production of this item? Identify
their nationality and their training if possible.
c. When was this artifact produced? What is the evidence to support this assertion?
d. Where is this artifact produced? Identify the cities and countries associated with this
artifact and explain why it would have been produced in this location.
e. How was it produced?.
3. In approximately 2 pages identify - f. Why this artifact was significant to the time
period, using evidence of research.
4. A short five , minute presentation in which you introduce the artifact, a brief history
and its significance.
5. A Bibliography.
Lost in the Attic Rubric
Criteria
Communication
Application
Knowledge
Thinking/Inquiry
LEVEL 4
-labels, Q/As and
annotation of
bibliography are
eloquent, clear and
concise
-grammar, spelling
and use of
vocabulary is
flawless
-the artifact is an
exceptional
product which
looks incredibly
authentic
-answers offer a
clear context from
which to consider
the artifact by
addressing the 5
Ws
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 1
-written work is
clear and concise
-written work is
disorganized
-good quality
-inconsistent
-the artifact is a
good product
which looks
authentic and
exemplifies the
great exchange
-the artifact is a
satisfactory
product which
looks somewhat
authentic and
exemplifies the
great exchange
-answers offer a
context from
which to consider
the artifact by
addressing the 5
Ws
-answers offers
some context from
which to consider
the artifact by
attempting to
address the Ws
-citations are in an
accepted and
appropriate forma
-citations are in a
accepted and
appropriate format
with few errors
-citations are of an
inconsistent quality
Has extensive
knowledge of the
history of the
artifact including
the who, what
where when and
how.
The majority of the
focus questions are
dealt with well
establishing clear
evidence of its role
and place in the
society of the time.
Some knowledge of
the who what
where when and
how. However
there is a lack of
detail.
Thoroughly
establishes the
sequence of ideas
regarding the
history and
existence of this
artifact
Research is
thorough and
clearly evident
Some elements are
not thorough
Questions are not
dealt with
thoroughly
Some good
research evident
Research evident
though limited
Little evidence of
research
A good attempt to
mix historical
evidence into the
body.
Evidence lacks
focus and relevance
Not persuasive.
Evidence is used
with confidence
Significance of the
object is clearly and
obviously establishe
-written work is
unclear and
disorganized
-poor quality
Significance of the
object is well
established
Lacking evidence,
thus making
significance
difficult to
determine clearly
-the artifact is a
poor product
which attempts to
look authentic and
exemplify the
great exchange
-answers offer a
context through
some effort to
address Ws
-citations are in
inappropriate and
unacceptable
format
Little knowledge of
the relevanbt
history behind the
artifact.
Sections are
completely lacking
in detail and show
little understanding
of the historical
basis of the artifact
Significance is not
established due to
lack of concrete
defendable
argument