Clever Grades

🎧 Read Aloud

Creating Artefacts

Understanding Artefacts in Communication

What is an Artefact?

An artefact is any created item that conveys information or ideas. In the study of social issues, artefacts help present research findings or data in formats accessible and engaging to others.

The artefact should clearly communicate data gathered from primary sources as well as secondary sources. It should combine factual accuracy with creative and clear presentation strategies.

Types of Artefacts: Email & Online Content

This section explores various formats used to present data about social issues.

1

Email

Brief, direct, and used to raise awareness. Tone should be informative, polite, and persuasive (e.g., to local council members).
2

Online Article/Blog Post

Suited for reaching wider audiences online. Writing style is conversational but factual, utilizing headings, paragraphs, and embedded data.

Types of Artefacts: Poster & Speech

Artefacts often involve visual synthesis or verbal delivery to maximize impact.

3

Research Poster

Synthesize key information visually using short text blocks, bullet points, graphs, and images. Common in schools or community centers.
4

Speech

Delivering information verbally to persuade or inform. Must clearly state the issue, use data effectively, and employ emotional and logical appeals.

Effective Communication Features

These are the essential components that determine the success of your artefact.

🎯

Clarity

Avoid complex jargon or confusing language. Present data and ideas simply.
🎨

Visual Appeal

Use colours, font sizes, and layouts to attract attention and guide the reader’s eye.
💬

Engagement

Include questions, quotes, or calls to action to involve the audience.
✓

Accuracy

Ensure data is presented correctly and sources are acknowledged.

Reflection of Sources and Data

✅
Primary Data (The Research) Data from surveys, interviews, or observations should be translated into charts, graphs, or summarized facts.
❌
Secondary Data (The Validation) Secondary source materials (articles, reports) provide background and validation. Both types must shape the message.

Step-by-Step Approach (Part 1)

The critical initial steps required for effective artefact creation.

1

Identify the Social Issue and Purpose

Decide what social issue you are addressing (e.g., homelessness, unemployment) and the goal (to inform, persuade, raise awareness).
2

Gather and Analyze Data

Use research sources and primary data collections. Calculate relevant statistics and select key findings.
3

Choose the Artefact Type Based on Audience and Purpose

For policymakers, an email or speech may be appropriate. For community awareness, an infographic or poster suits best.

Step-by-Step Approach (Part 2)

Focusing on structure, design, and final review of the artefact.

4

Plan the Structure and Content

Outline what will go in each section: introduction of issue, data presentation, explanation, and conclusion or call to action.
5

Design the Artefact

For visual artefacts, create charts and graphics. For written artefacts, use subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to enhance readability.
6

Review and Edit

Check that the artefact communicates the intended message without ambiguity. Verify the accuracy of data and ensure the style fits the audience.

Examples of Data Communication

How specific data points translate across different communication mediums.

✉️
In an Email: Data like “30% increase in youth homelessness this year” could be a headline figure supported by a graph attached or linked.
📰
In a Blog Post: The post could introduce key facts using a pie chart to show the proportion of different social problems people are most worried about.

Ethical and Sensitive Communication

📢

Critical Requirement: When creating artefacts about social issues, it is critical to be respectful and avoid reinforcing stereotypes or stigma. Data should be presented honestly, without manipulation.

Summary of Key Skills for Learners

Producing artefacts effectively helps bridge the gap between data and public understanding.

✓

Interpret and analyze

Interpret and analyze social data accurately.
✓

Choose Artefact Type

Choose artefact type based on purpose and audience.
✓

Use Clear Language

Use clear, engaging language and visuals.
✓

Reflect Findings

Reflect both your research and primary data findings.
✓

Communicate Sensitively

Communicate with sensitivity and respect.
Social Issue Artefacts Deck
Term
Artefact

What is an artefact in the context of social issue communication?

Answer
Definition

A created item that conveys information or ideas about social issues using data and research.

Term
Data Sources

Name two types of data sources used in creating artefacts.

Answer
Types

Primary sources (e.g., surveys, interviews) and secondary sources (e.g., research articles, reports).

Term
Artefact Types

List four common artefact types for communicating social issues.

Answer
Examples

Email, online article/blog post, research poster, speech.

Term
Effective Features

What are essential features of an effective artefact?

Answer
Key Features

Appropriate format, clarity, visual appeal, engagement, and accuracy.

Term
Reflecting Sources

Why is it important to reflect sources and primary data in artefacts?

Answer
Reason

To ensure the message is evidence-based and credible.

Term
First Step

What is the first step in creating an artefact?

Answer
Step One

Identify the social issue and purpose for creating the artefact.

Term
Data Presentation

How should data be presented in visual artefacts?

Answer
Presentation

Using charts, graphs, bullet points, and clear, eye-catching design.

Term
Ethical Considerations

What ethical consideration is crucial in social issue artefacts?

Answer
Ethics

Communicating respectfully, avoiding stereotypes, and presenting data honestly.

Term
Audience Tailoring

Why tailor the artefact type to the audience?

Answer
Reason

Different audiences engage better with specific formats suited to their context.

Term
Communication Skill

What is a key communication skill for producing artefacts?

Answer
Skill

Using clear, engaging language and visuals to effectively convey information.

Tip: Tap a card to flip. Shuffle or Reset anytime.

📝 Creating Artefacts Quiz

1. What is the primary goal of an artefact when addressing social issues?

Artefacts serve to communicate data and ideas in a way that is accessible and meaningful.

2. Which of the following is NOT typically a format for an artefact in social issue communication?

Financial reports are not typically used as artefacts to communicate social issues in this context.

3. What step comes immediately after gathering and analyzing data when creating an artefact?

Selecting an appropriate artefact format helps tailor the message effectively.

4. True/False: It is acceptable to manipulate data slightly to make a social issue seem more urgent in an artefact.

Ethical communication requires honest and accurate data presentation.

5. Which feature enhances the visual appeal of a research poster?

Visual elements help quickly communicate key information.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Social Studies
  • GCSE
  • Research Methods
  • WJEC