The purpose of using 3D artifacts in the classroom is to expand the thinking of the students. They figure out what the artifact is, how it was found, and what can be learned from it. Learning with artifacts allows students to go beyond the scope of their individual lives and delve into the larger picture of the world. For example, a student can look at 3D objects such as a piece of clothing and discover a great deal about the community to which it belongs. They go beyond seeing a tribal dress as just a dress and learn more about its story. What material is the dress made of? Why? How was it made? Was it a ceremonial dress? These 3D artifacts in the classroom are excellent tools for teaching, because they open conversations about them that dig deeper into their world context.
Teaching with artifacts will not only allow students to discover the intricacies of other cultures, but also allows them to compare the experiences of others with their own lives. The way 3D objects are found is a unique concept to share with you students. Archeology is like a grown-up treasure hunt, the treasure being the insight they gain from their findings. Make your first lesson in learning with artifacts about the process in which artifacts are discovered. Not only is this a fundamental lesson to learn, it is also intriguing how 3D objects get buried throughout time and are later excavated.
When teaching with artifacts, it can be fun to explain to students that they are acting as investigators or detectives. Making learning with artifacts a fun adventure will increase student participation and get them excited about learning new things. The 3D artifacts in the classroom will act as clues in a mystery they need to solve. Using this technique makes learning with artifacts fun and motivates students to delve more deeply into the subject they need to learn. The freedom of exploration and enlightenment are what make 3D objects necessary tools for teaching in classrooms.
The introduction of 3D artifacts in the classroom allows teachers to expand their lesson plans and increase the success of their students. Instead of memorizing facts and spitting them out a worksheet, students get to be part of the gathering of information giving them a better chance of making meaning from and retaining what they learned. With a steady stream of information only a click away, thanks to the Web, many students are questioning the importance of school. By bringing 3D artifacts in the classroom, you motivate students and give them a reason to attend school. Knowing how to use artifacts in the classroom is essential to this generation of learners.