Contextualization

History is the science that studies men and civilizations, from the past to the present. In other words, History is the discipline that investigates and interprets human achievements based on sources such as documents, ancient artifacts, and historical sites. Therefore, History helps us understand how society, technology, and human culture have reached where they are today.

The notion of time is crucial for the study of History. Historical time is different from physical time. Physical time is constant and regular - for example, a day always has 24 hours. However, historical time is irregular and is influenced by the events that occur within it. For example, years of war often seem longer and more significant than years of peace.

Understanding History is not only important for historians. It will help you understand why the world is as it is. You will begin to understand the reasons why our societies are organized the way they are, why we speak the languages we speak, and much more. History helps us understand humanity, and there is nothing more important than that.

To delve deeper into the study of History, it is important to use reliable resources. We recommend the BBC Brasil website, which has a section dedicated to History with articles, reports, and videos. Additionally, the website 'História do Mundo' is also a great source for general and specific information about various historical periods, civilizations, and events. For those who prefer to learn by watching videos, the YouTube channel 'Nerdologia História' is a great option.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: 'Historical Time Capsule'

Activity Objective:

To understand what History is, let's practice the art of being historians! The objective of this activity is for each group to create their own 'Historical Time Capsule'. Each capsule should contain artifacts representing a historical period chosen by the group, as well as an explanation about the chosen period and the included items.

Detailed Activity Description:

• Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members.
• Each group chooses a historical period of interest to research.
• Each group must create a 'Historical Time Capsule' containing artifacts representative of that period.
• The artifacts can be drawings, models, maps, photos, etc., made or found by the students.
• In addition to the artifacts, the capsule must contain a written document detailing the chosen historical period and explaining the artifacts.
• This activity should take each student from two to four hours to complete.
• Each group has one week to complete the activity and deliver the capsule and the document.

Necessary Materials:

• Box (for the time capsule)
• Paper and pens or pencils (for drawing, mapping, writing)
• Access to the library or the Internet (for research)
• Various materials that the group wishes to include in the time capsule (printed images, small objects, etc.)

Procedure:

1. Students form groups and choose a historical period to research.
2. Each group researches the chosen period. The research should include: main events, notable people, culture, society, technology, art, etc.
3. Based on the research, students select or create artifacts that represent the historical period in a meaningful way.
4. Students write a report explaining the artifacts and their relevance to the period.
5. The artifacts and the report are placed in the 'time capsule'.
6. The time capsules are delivered to the teacher on the pre-established date.

Project Deliverables:

• The 'Historical Time Capsule' containing the representative artifacts.
• A copy of the document detailing the chosen period and explaining the artifacts.

The written document should follow the format of a report and should contain four main sections:

1. Introduction: should place the chosen historical period and explain why this period was chosen by the group and what its relevance is.
2. Development: should discuss the theory behind the historical period, the main events, notable people, culture, and society of the time. It should explain the artifacts in detail and indicate the research methodology used.
3. Conclusion: should summarize the main points of the report and discuss what the group learned from studying this period and doing this project.
4. Bibliography: should list all sources used in the research (books, websites, videos, etc.).