ABSTRACT
Museum professionals recognize the power of objects and understand them to be a source of information and insight. Learning from Objects presents a robust argument for hands-on exploration of objects. The idea of object-based learning is widely understood and highly valued within the museum field, yet variations are found in the terminology used or sequence of actions describing how to learn from objects. The young child will capably make observations about an object, particularly in regard to its physical features, and will also ask relevant questions that demonstrate a focus on detail. The evidence gathered from observation and interaction with this artifact tells us that: the object is approximately 10 inches in length and light in weight, only a few ounces. A provocation can be an everyday object ranging from a teapot to a pinecone or it can be a rare or treasured museum artifact, specimen, or work of art.
