Student Activity - I Left a Trace!
We all leave many traces
in the historical record. Sometimes we don't realize
it, but when we go about our daily lives, we leave objects
behind, official and unofficial records, even clues
about some of the things we did during our lives. Everyone
else leaves similar clues. When these clues are combined
together, they form what historians call the historical
record. As you might imagine, the historical record
is very large—just imagine how many traces have
been left of events that have occurred throughout time.
Even so, the record only provides a peek into the past.
So much of what we do is lost or never recorded, either
in writing or by other means. As you might also imagine,
some of what is "left behind" is accidental,
and some is purposeful. What can we learn from these
accidental and purposeful traces? How does the historical
record become so large and so limited at the same time?
What traces do you leave that contribute to the historical
record? Find out in the activity that follows.
Procedure:
-
Think about the different things you have done during
the past 24 hours. Use the table provided in Part
A to record a list of seven items. For each, answer
the following three questions. Use your own paper
if you need more space, and be prepared to discuss
these with your classmates.
- What trace evidence might have been left? Briefly
describe.
- Would the trace be purposeful or accidental?
- Would the trace evidence have been preserved?
(yes or no) Why or why not?
- Either
working alone or with your small group, consider
each of the things you have listed as you answer
the questions in Part B following the chart. If
you are working in a group, you may discuss the
questions and your answers, but your responses should
refer to your own listed items (except for question
"d").
- Together
with your group (or alone if your teacher has not
assigned groups), think of a major event that is
presently taking place. It may be local, national,
or international. Complete the chart on Part C and
respond to the questions provided. Be prepared to
discuss your group's responses with the rest of
the class when you are finished.
Part A
Complete
the chart below as instructed in procedure step 1.
Part B
As
instructed in procedure step 2, respond to the following
questions in the space provided. Refer to your chart
as needed.
(a.)
What types of things have been left out? Why? What does
this do to the historical record?
(b.)
What would historians be able to tell (or what would
they think) if they were able to study your traces?
What if they were only able to see what you left on
purpose? What if they were only able to see your traces
and no one else's?
(c.)
Would future historians be able to tell about our society
by studying your records? Would they need other records?
Give some examples of other types of records that help
historians learn about our society?
(d.)
What if historians were trying to learn about you? Would
your records be the only ones that they could/would
use? What things from your list might possibly contribute
to other records kept by other people, yet give information
of some type about you?
Part C
Complete
the map below as instructed in procedure step 3.
-
