National Endowment for the Humanities
The Mexican Revolution
The legacies of the Mexican Revolution are visible today—even if some history classes don't cover them. Using primary sources from leaders in Mexico at the time of the popular uprising and other evidence, such as railroad maps, young...
Curated OER
The Outrage of Ordinary Men: Pennsylvania's Role in the Great Railroad Strike of 1877
Students study the events that surround the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. In this historical instructional activity students work in groups to analyze documents, determine the facts and present a summary of their findings to the...
Curated OER
Chapter 9 - Big Business v. Labor
In this 20th century U.S. history worksheet, students read assigned textbook pages regarding the industrialization and labor unions. Students then respond to 50 short answer questions.
Curated OER
American Growth and Expansion in the late 1800s
Eleventh graders examine a picture of John Gast's, American Progress to determine what they know about American growth between 1877- 1900. By working through thirteen center or folder activities, they study the economics,...
Curated OER
1848-1914: Can You Name that Age?-
For this European history worksheet, students read a 2-page selection about the Industrial Revolution, and then respond to 6 short answer questions about the information presented.
Curated OER
Site and Situation: Right Place at the Right Time
Students put their geography skills to work. In this geography skills lesson plan, students research maps and other primary and secondary sources to simulate the site selection process for the Pennsylvania Railroad Shops post World War...
Curated OER
THE GAM SAAN ADVENTURE ARE YOU WILLING TO RISK IT?
Fourth graders study the lasting influence of the Pony Express, Overland Mail Service, Western Union, and the building of the transcontinental railroad, including the contributions of Chinese workers to its construction. They explore the...
Curated OER
Getting the Point!
Students explore the American cattle industry history. In this United States history and reading comprehension cross curriculum lesson plan, students read an article about the history of longhorn cattle, then answer comprehension...
Curated OER
Pacific Northwest History - Natural Resources, Ports and Railroads
Students explain the importance of extractive resources on the development of the Pacific Northwest. They explain how the timber industry, fishing, mining and agriculture industries shaped the growth of the Pacific Northwest.
Curated OER
Transformation of Texas Transportation
Learners research how the growth of railroads led to an industrial revolution in Texas and read a newspaper article debating which railroad company should come to Travis County. They write their own article and debate the railroad question.
Curated OER
Great Britain vs. Europe
Fourth graders explore the reasons for the Industrial Revolution and its effects on France.
Curated OER
Irish-Americans: Work and Song
Students research the experience of Irish immigrants who helped build the railroad systems of the United States. They analyze primary source documents, take notes, and create an artistic piece.
Curated OER
Development of Industrial New Hampshire
Learners work in groups to research and share information about several different topics that were part of the development of Industrial New Hampshire. Students complete five parts of the project which include researching, role playing...
Curated OER
American Industry Growth
Eleventh graders explore the economic growth from 1878 to 1893. In this social studies instructional activity, 11th graders discuss how the improvements lead to an inequality in wealth and the problems that it caused.
Curated OER
Assembly Line Burgers
Students explore the reasons why the assembly line was formed and how it improves productivity. They practice with their own assembly line by making "burgers" out of wafers and frosting.
Curated OER
Investing in Early America Game: Early Industrial, Transportation, and Communications Revolution
Students review pages in the text to find out what was happening in each of the areas. They use the "Investment Opportunities Game Sheet" to record their investments, assume an investor identity, which influence how they choose to invest...
Curated OER
Timber: Living and Working in an Arkansas Forest
Upper elementary and middle schoolers examine and research the history of the Timber Industry in the state of Arkansas. An economic component is quite prevalent in this lesson as well. Groups of learners work together to write essays...
Curated OER
Factory Conditions
In this United States history worksheet, learners utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions pertaining to factory conditions and the rise of labor unions. A short answer question is included as...
Curated OER
Growth in Southern California
Fourth graders examine the impact of orange crops and the railroad industry on the growth in southern California. They develop a fact list about the history of oranges in California, and create a family tree demonstrating the impact of...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Factory vs. Plantation in the North and South
North is to factory as South is to plantation—the perfect analogy for the economy that set up the Civil War! The first lesson in a series of five helps teach beginners why the economy creates a driving force for conflict. Analysis of...
Curated OER
The Pre-Civil War Era (1815–1850)
In this online interactive U.S. history worksheet, learners respond to 9 short answer and essay questions about 19th century America. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
Syracuse University
Erie Canal
While canals are not the way to travel today, in the first half of the nineteenth century, they were sometimes the best way to move goods and people. Scholars examine primary sources, including maps and pictures, to investigate the role...
Curated OER
California-Becoming an Agricultural and Insustrial Power
Fourth graders explain how California became an agricultural and industrial power. They trace the transformation of the California economy in its political and cultural development since the 1850's.
Curated OER
Post-Civil War American History
Fifth graders examine significant events in Post-Civil War America. In this Post-Civil War lesson plan, 5th graders investigate the important events after the war in 19th century America. They read primary source documents about six...