Mrs. Franklin's
6th Grade
Classroom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Early Man Artifact Project

Due: December 1, 2006

The purpose of this project is to introduce you to and show you how early man constructed items that were needed and used on a daily basis. These items had to be able to "take a beating" and still remain workable. Their very lives depended on how well they made their tools and other objects.

In this assignment, you will construct a weapon, tool, or religious article that early man might have used. The artifact you make must have some real or symbolic meaning and purpose. You should take great care when making this object because almost everything they made was functional and used in some way on a daily basis. Be prepared to discuss and answer questions about your artifact. You are also required to write a 350 to 400 word paper. The paper requirements are here.

You may use anything you find in nature.  Specifically, this means you can use stone, wood, shells, feathers, bone, hide*, and any plants you find. You may also use wood or paper glue.

Do not use tape or nails.  If you are not sure of a material that you want to use ask me for permission and clarification first. Early man did not have tape or metal nails, fluorescent paint, or plastic. You may, however, use string, thin leather strips, and thin twine to attach items onto your project.

You may also paint your artifact, but remember this artifact is very old. You may only make one or two cuts on a piece of wood with modern technology, such as an electric saw. Do not use any old broom handles or precut pieces of wood. The only exception to this rule is if you make a bow fire starter or an animal trap. See me first.

Examples of Artifacts to Construct:

  • bow fire starter
  • bow and arrow
  • atlatl (spear thrower)
  • spear arrow points .
  • leather pouches
  • items of jewelry
  • bead work
  • war club
  • tomahawk
  • gourd bowl
  • digging tools



    Early Man Tools made by Mrs. Franklin's 6th Grade class, 2003-2004.

*These are only a few things that you can make. Look through your history book, other reference books, and find something you like and then see me for approval and guidance.


Sources for This Project:

Some local sources for objects found in nature include Miwok Park, Pioneer Park, Indian Valley, other open space areas near the school, and in Novato. If you go to a public park, do not, REPEAT do not, pick up or cut any live wood or growing plants. Watch out for poison oak! Look in backyards for old cut down trees and limbs. If you go to the beach, look for drift wood. Ask your neighbors, friends, etc. You may have to search long and hard before you find the right piece of wood, bone, feathers, stone, etc. The point is not no give up too easily. Early men and women did not give up easily because if they had they would not have survived. If you do not succeed at first, try and try again until you get it right.

Have fun and learn from this project! Don't wait until the last minute to start your artifact. I guarantee that if you do not do your best, you will be embarrassed when you give your oral presentation. You will have twenty days to do this project. It is worth one fourth or 25% of your History grade.

Be sure to refer to Chapter 4, in Message of Ancient Days and Chapter and Chapter 3 in Ancient World for research. Other good sources are Maroo, of the Winter Caves , Hatchet, Boy of the Painted Cave, and Dar, the Spearthrower. Go to the library for reference books or see me to borrow one of mine overnight. Due: December 1, 2006.

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