Cate Cooney ’s Teapot post inspired me to think about how students might attach primary sources to an object they create as an end of lesson digital project.

Using simple design tools found on most devices like slide tools, they might pick a primary source and cover a teapot or another object with the primary source, then share it for questioning, wondering or further inquiry.

Using Cate’s posted teapot resource as a model, I put together some sample teapots by using the shape tool in Apple Keynote to emulate the teapot, selecting the shape and the imported primary source at the same time and then tapping “mask with shape” from the pop-up menu. Pretty rudimentary on my part but quick and easy to do.

There are some wonderful scientific illustrations in the Library of Congress that make great object covers and also provide some interesting science exploration.  With teacher guidance, when students delve into the Library and select a source, research and information skills are gained.

For a non digital version students could draw and then cut out an image on paper, print out the primary source and then place the paper with the cut out over the source.

What primary source might you put on a coffee cup, a car or piece of fruit?  Might this be a good “get to know you” activity?

  Digital Art     bestof