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 Creativity
expert's reveals the secrets of making time
capsules, an activity that allows children
to get wrapped up in the fun, too.
Reasons NOT to bury capsule in the ground:
-
It
speeds up the process of decay.
-
If
you move, you have to dig it up, carry it
with you and re-bury it--if you even
remember.
-
Unless the map is super-accurate, you'll
probably end up digging through half your
yard before you find it.
Best Time Capsule Location: The best
spot for a time capsule is a dry, dark place
such as an attic or basement. The freezer or
refrigerator can also serve as a safe place.
Best Time Capsule Container: The best
container is a sturdy, completely airtight
box--think Tupperware instead of metal,
because metal can always rust and ruin the
capsule. This container can be decorated
with resilient materials such as exterior
paint.
Best Contents for Time Capsule: Children
should be urged to pick their favorite from
a multitude of categories such as a tape or
CD of their favorite song, a picture of
their favorite star, a drawing of their own
and/or pictures of them with family, friends
or pets.
-
Set
a date for the time capsule to be opened.
For a child, five years is a good starting
point. Have the child write a letter to
themselves that begins something like
this: "Dear me five years from now ..."
Trace the child's hand to show how much
growth has occurred. Use a cassette tape
to record the child's voice.
-
Be
sure to include items that represent the
time period such as a newspaper or
magazine.
-
Adults can get in to the activity as well.
Start out New Year's Eve by implementing
this theme at a party or small
get-together. Include the restaurant menu,
a plane ticket or some reminder of a trip
that was taken that year--photos, letters,
a dinner or supermarket receipt (to show
how much things cost).
-
Stay
away from videotapes or other items that
could be dated when the capsule is opened.
Remember the betamax? Images stored on
that tape would be difficult if not
impossible to retrieve. Keep to items to
which the eyes and hands can respond
(letters, photos, etc.) especially if the
capsule is to be sealed for 25 years, 50
years or longer.
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