A Moment In Time

A 4th Grader at the Nickelodeon Time Capsule Ceremony would be about 28 years old today and 62 years old when the time capsule is dug up. In 1992 kids voted on what to include in that Nickelodeon time capsule. Among the items that are buried are Home Alone and Back to the Future on VHS, a Nintendo Game Boy, rollerblades, a skateboard, a piece of the Berlin Wall, a baseball, Twinkies, and a jar of Gak. The time capsule will be removed from Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando on April 30, 2042.

Time capsules capture a moment in time with a collection of pop culture, current events, memorabilia, and ideas from a way of life. While some items remain timeless, others seem to be destined for extinction before the time capsule is even sealed. There is no doubt that future generations will want to learn what it was like living through this pandemic as those of us experiencing it document the events that will eventually be referred to as "back in the day."

Kids have a unique perspective and can create a time capsule to document their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. With a bit of background knowledge, kids can create a time capsule to mark this moment in time. Here are some basic steps to get the kids creating followed by a link to a unique and inexpensive printout for an easy COVID-19 Time Capsule.

1. Discuss what a time capsule is and show examples.

You could Google images of time capsules and show the kids the video of the Nickelodeon Time Capsule Ceremony on YouTube.

Nickelodeon Time Capsule Ceremony on YouTube

2. Talk about where you may have seen time capsules or participated in making one. 

If you were alive for the turn of the century, you most likely participated in one. Who remembers Y2K lol?! It seems like just yesterday that my daughter was adding a Pokeball to her silver cardboard time capsule in 1999.

3. Get a container. 

A plastic food storage container, Pringles can, or paper towel tube could work. The printable time capsule below calls for an empty toilet paper roll (no explanation necessary here!)

4. Brainstorm ideas for what should be placed in the time capsule. 

Items that are too big can be pictures. Nickelodeon used a picture of a bike.

5. Gather the items and pictures and place them in the time capsule.

6. Remember to label the time capsule with the date to be opened and store it in a safe place. 

If you choose to bury the time capsule, make sure your container is compatible and that you follow your local laws and guidelines for digging.

Want to save time and keep the kids engaged? Grab an empty toilet paper roll and this printable COVID-19 Time Capsule HERE!

COVID-19-Time-Capsule

Assign these to your students or make them with your own kids! 

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