Lesson Overview
In this lesson, students will investigate a digital collection of American objects featured by the Decorative Arts Trust in recognition of the United States 2026 Semiquincentennial. The Collecting250 site features over 250 decorative objects gathered from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. First guided by the teacher and then working with partners, students examine various objects in the collection and determine their function through the question, “What job does this object do?” Finally, students present a proposal (in trading card form) for the acquisition of an object, historic or present-day, that they believe should be included in the collection, highlighting how the object represents an aspect of the United States. Students’ trading cards are eventually shared in a school display in recognition of the Semiquincentennial.

Grade Level: 8-12
Estimated time: Four to five 45-minute class periods/sessions