Need support?
We are keen to make your Artefacts of the Future experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. The resources here and elsewhere in the website are intended to support teachers and students throughout your journey. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, please get in contact!
Who is Artefacts of the Future for?
Artefacts of the Future is for students and teachers at Victorian schools in Levels 5-10. The program can be used in any learning area; however, the strongest curriculum connections are to the Arts, Science, Humanities, and Technologies.
Do I have to be part of the research project to use these curriculum materials?
No! The Artefacts of the Future curriculum materials can be used by any teacher. However, if you are part of the Artefacts of the Future research project you will receive additional guidance and support. If you are interested in becoming involved in the research, please complete the form below.
How is Artefacts of the Future structured?
The Artefacts of the Future learning program is divided into five phases, each framed around a question:
During each phase, students will creatively explore, investigate, and reflect on concepts of sustainability, such as systems, world views, design, and futures.
Throughout the program, students will express their understandings and ideas through the Arts, culminating in designing and creating an artefact of the future that might be displayed in an imaginary Anthropocene Museum in the year 2050. This artefact will be accompanied by written or recorded interpretive materials, through which students will communicate their ideas and processes. We encourage you to finish the program with a community exhibition to celebrate your students’ work as futurists.
Does anything need to be organised in advance?
In Phase 2, you will spend time in a local outdoor environment. We encourage you to connect with local Traditional Owners for this phase, to learn more about local First Nations’ knowledges, practices, and responsibilities caring for Country. Organise this connection early as Traditional Owners are very busy people! If you are part of the research project, we may be able to assist you with developing this connection. If you are not sure who the Traditional Owners are for your area, check with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.
At the end of the program, we encourage you to hold an exhibition of your students’ artefacts to be viewed by your school and local community. The Artefacts of the Future team will also hold occasional exhibitions showcasing the work of students involved in the research project.
How long should Artefacts of the Future take my students?
This will depend on how often you see your students and how long you want to spend on the program! It should be possible to cover each phase within approximately two hours; however, some could be sped up and some could be extended. At Levels 5 and 6 where students are with the same teacher for most of the day, the program could be completed within one week (one phase per day). With Levels 9 and 10 students, the program could be extended to five weeks. It’s up to you! We encourage you to adapt the program and make it your own.