#3. Tell Your Own Story...Build a Time Capsule (A Truly Interdisciplinary Activity)

This blog began an enrichment tool for Saugus students.  I write about the past and ask them to do some review activities.  In that arena, I am diverting from the style I began a few weeks ago.  Instead, I wanted to share an activity that I think would be fun for families to do regardless of age, grade level, or experience. I will return to telling Saugus Stories soon, but thought this would be great.

I am no expert in building Time Capsule's but here are some initial thoughts:

I am sure others have formal instructions online somewhere and I am certainly not offended if you like the idea, but grab something from the internet to make your time capsule better.

1. Choosing your time capsule:  There a ton of things in my house that I could use to build a time capsule and so, I think that is probably true in most homes.  As part of the assignment, plan what type of capsule you want.  How big will it be?  What materials will it be made of?  Let the kids choose, but add your experience if they are making it too big/small or out of materials that will not last.

Possible Materials:  Old Metal Box, Make a box out of scrap wood, PVC piping, etc.
Draw plans out and then work with the kids to build it.


2. What will go in your time capsule:  We are living in history right now.  I would consider a few personal notes from everyone involved.  Additionally, newspaper clippings (or print outs from the internet) add a ton of information to time capsules.  Artifacts can also be important...have you finished a puzzle (take a piece).  Grab a wrapper from your rolls of toilet paper.  Find small things that have meaning to your family.  

For each item, have someone write a little bit about what it is and why it is in the capsule.  
Have everyone choose a mystery item...that is an item that they pick and wrap up, but no one else knows what it is...maybe make the mystery item a personal one (but not too valuable)

3. Choose the perfect place for your time capsule.  I am a purist.  I think time capsules need to be buried, but do whatever works best for you....the attic, the basement, inside a wall if you have access, lol.  Once you choose a place, record where it is and be very specific...especially if it is buried.  

Consider making a treasure map to the location.  It will be a fun way to reveal the capsule whenever you decide to open it up.  Use your phone and take pictures or make a video.  If someone is good with technology, make the video look like a news broad cast.

4. Pick a Reveal Date:  How long will you keep your capsule hidden away?  Have the discussion with the kids.  Do you pick a year or more?  Is there a special day that was missed during the self-isolation?  Someone's birthday...make the reveal happen on that day down the road.  

Use tech to help here too:  Put the date in your online calendar. Set it and forget it.  If you choose to have a reminder pop up, your online life will remind you. I once did an online reminder for 10 years, lol.  I forgot why I reminded myself to tell my friends about the topic, lol, but I remembered to remind them.  Put a reminder in your phone to email rlavoie@saugus.k12.ma.us after you've opened back up your time capsule.  I'd love to see these in a year or two...and I've got at least 17 more years ahead of me too.