The following five artifacts from the Byrd Center Polar Archives were digitally scanned by OSU staff members Jeremy Patterson and Dean Hensley in collaboration with the center's Education & Outreach Program. Explore each artifact to see if you can discover interesting features and determine its purpose. Consider the differences between exploring it digitally and being able to explore it in person. The approximate size of each object is listed below its image. If you click on an image, it will maximize to full-screen to make exploring easier.
If you are using these artifacts for a lesson on primary sources, you might find the Analyze an Artifact Sheet from the U.S. National Archives useful. To arrange for our Polar Curator, Laura Kissel, to Zoom with your class at the culmination of a lesson, e-mail kissel.4@osu.edu. Please note, Zoom sessions are limited to Laura's availability. Allow 1-month advanced notice for planning.
Artifact 1 by Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center on Sketchfab
Approximately the size of a flat-panel television.
Artifact 3 by Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center on Sketchfab
Approximately the size of a microwave.
Artifact 4 by Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center on Sketchfab
Approximately the size of a microwave.
Artifact 5 by Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center on Sketchfab
Approximately the size of a shoe. The artifact is sitting on a white piece of fabric, which also appears in the scan.