Grade 5 Field Trip to the National Palace Museum

As part of our Unit 1 inquiry (Where We Are in Place and Time), Grade 5 students visited the National Palace Museum to explore how artifacts can give us a window into the past.

Central Idea

Analysis of artifacts can provide insight into cycles and patterns in ancient histories.

Objectives

• To observe authentic artifacts from ancient China.

• To explore how artifacts reflect cycles in technology, art, and cultural traditions.

• To practice asking and answering questions like historians and archaeologists.

Inquiry Questions Students Asked

• What patterns can we see across different artifacts (shape, decoration, material)?

• How did these objects reflect daily life or important rituals in ancient China?

• What cycles of history—such as agriculture, dynasties, or traditions—can be seen through artifacts?

• What can we learn about ancient people by analyzing these objects closely?

During the trip, students observed jade ornaments, bronze vessels, and detailed ceramics. They sketched artifacts, took notes, and asked thoughtful questions. Many were surprised to see how much could be learned about daily life, values, and beliefs by examining just one object.

The field trip made history come alive and will serve as a foundation for students’  artifact research projects, where they will choose their own artifact to study in depth.