Exploration Activity: Illinois Artifacts

This is a hands-on exploration activity of primary source artifacts that are important to the history of Illinois.

Students will get to explore 5 different primary source artifacts in this activity:

• The Birdman Tablet from Cahokia Mounds
• Excerpts from the Illinois Constitution (double-sided)
• Route Map of the Expedition of Marquette and Jolliet
• Photographs of the Original and Renovated Governor's Mansion (double-sided)
• Illinois State Flag

Students can explore the Artifact Cards digitally or the teacher may wish to print out and laminate the artifact cards for more hands-on use.

Students will also need an Artifact Exploration Packet.  Students will be responsible for answering the questions about the artifacts as they look and explore each piece.  This packet could be used for a grade.  Teachers may wish for students to work in partners or small groups.

An Answer Key for the Artifact Exploration Packet is available here.