Field Museum

History Colorado

How do we know about the past?

Form and Function Introduction

In this activity, learn about five disciplinary lenses and how they can be applied to explore how form relates to function.

How many stories can an object tell?

Modern Pueblo People Team Up With Researchers  

Using Evidence: You Be The Researcher

Use this chart to take notes on the form and function of four different objects in your life. 

Form and Function in your Life

Explore the steps of problem-solving and invention to discover how form has changed (or not) over time to serve a specific function: 
1. Define the problem and gather information, 2. Generate ideas to solve the problem, 3. Make it, 4. Assess and Tweak as Needed


Technological Change over Time-Part 1/2

Now that you have explored past and present examples of toasters and sandals and they ways these have changed over time, how do you imagine the future of toasters and sandals?  Review the objects in the last activity and think about what might change and what would stay the same as sandals and toaster technology continues to change. Consider the function of each and design a toaster or sandals for the future.

Technological Change over Time-Part 2/2

Learn about strategies used to make discoveries about the past. Apply disciplinary lenses to objects from history and modern day. Explore the relationship between form, function, and technological change.

Additional Resource for Using Disciplinary Lenses: 

Additional Information about Colorado's Pueblo People:

Rocky Mountain PBS Colorado Experience: Living West, Water

Colorado Encyclopedia Article on Mesa Verde National Park 

 Ancestral Puebloans of the Four Corners Region

Investigating Form and Function

educator materials