Form and Function Introduction

In this resource kit, you will think about how form and function are related in objects in your life as well as objects from China and the Southwest USA. You will practice asking and answering targeted questions using various disciplinary lenses to look deeper into the objects you are observing. 

Before you start exploring the materials in this kit, let’s take a moment to think about what form and function might mean. 

What is form? Form can include an object’s size, shape, color, decorations, materials, craftsmanship. For example, observe the object above.

Jot down a few things you notice about the object above's form!

What is a function? This is what you use an object for! An object might have multiple uses. 

Use your observations about the object's form to make an inference (or an informed guess) about what this object's function might be!

We can use the clues we take from observing an object’s form to make inferences about what an object’s function might be. 

Over the next activities, you will

1. Form and Function in Your Life - Collect observations about the form and function of objects in your surroundings

2. How do we know about the past? - Learn about some of the pieces of evidence we can use to learn about the past

3. How many stories can an object tell? - Discover a strategy to look deeper and form specific questions about objects you are observing.

5. Using Evidence: You be the Researcher - Use your observation skills to discover connections between objects from Mesa Verde.

6. Technological Change over Time - Part 1

7. Technological Change over Time - Part 2

In the next activity, you will explore the form and function of objects in your life!