K12 Reader
Transcontinental Railroad
Who built the Transcontinental Railroad and why was it important? Your class can learn about the laying down of these tracks by reading a short passage. Pupils then respond to five questions related to the text.
Curated OER
Rendezvous at Promontory: A New Look at the Golden Spike Ceremony
Students complete a variety of activities as they examine the historical significance of the Transcontinental Railroad and the Golden Spike Ceremony in Promontory, Utah, which honored its completion. In one activity they plan and...
Curated OER
Working on the Railroad
Students view and discuss "The Transportation Revolution," a lecture by Peter A. Coclanis. They read and respond creatively to brief descriptions of railroad workers and their job responsibilities.
Curated OER
Railroad Idioms Art Lesson Plan
Sixth graders research railroad idioms. In this idiom lesson plan, 6th graders read through a glossary of different railroad idioms and their meanings. They illustrate a chosen idiom.
Curated OER
Meet the Underground Railroad
Students research and learn about the Underground Railroad. In this Underground Railroad lesson plan, students take 2 weeks to research an individual, complete journal writings, read passages in small groups, list major events, and more.
Federal Reserve Bank
Ten Mile Day
Get your class working on the railroad with this detailed and interactive lesson. After reading and discussing Ten Mile Day, learners explore division of labor, human capital, and productivity with a hands-on group activity in which they...
Curated OER
Fifth Grade Social Studies
For this social studies worksheet, 5th graders answer multiple choice questions about World War II, the transcontinental railroad, slavery, and more. Students complete 25 questions.
Curated OER
The Canadian Ribbon of Steel
Young scholars research the building of the Canadian Railroad and discuss the impact it has on Canada today.
Curated OER
Old Stone House Lesson Plan
From stagecoach to railroad tracks, your class will discover how advancements in travel in the United States during the nineteenth century played an integral role in the industrialization and development of American society. The main...
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Narrative Prompt
Reading about history is nothing like experiencing it firsthand. Encourage your eighth graders to do the next best thing with a historical narrative prompt, in which they describe the experience of a first-time traveler on the...
Curated OER
The Underground Railroad
In this United States history worksheet, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions about the Underground Railroad. A short answer question is included as well.
Alabama Department of Archives and History
Working in Birmingham's Iron Industry
What did railroads, iron, and industry contributed to Birmingham's successful growth? The instructional activity explains how the iron industry worked. It also describes how the location of Birmingham and its proximity to railroads....
Curated OER
Underground Railroad Code Words and Phrases
In this Underground Railroad worksheet, students read a list of code words and phrases used during the time of the Underground Railroad, 26 total.
Curated OER
The Industrial Revolution
Contrasting between the "Haves" and the "Have-Nots" of 18th-19th century Europe, this presentation explores the social and technological implications of the Industrial Revolution. Inventions, social trends, and scientific breakthroughs...
Curated OER
Altoona Horseshoe Curve: A Vital Link
High schoolers explain the significance of the Horseshoe Curve. For this railroad instructional activity students reconstruct elements of a German plot to destroy the Horseshoe Curve.
Curated OER
The Outrage of Ordinary Men: Pennsylvania's Role in the Great Railroad Strike of 1877
Learners study the events that surround the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. In this historical lesson students work in groups to analyze documents, determine the facts and present a summary of their findings to the class.
Stanford University
Pullman Strike
Learners explore the Pullman Strike. In this U.S. history lesson, students view a PowerPoint about the Pullman Strike of 1894. Learners discuss how this strike divided our nation. Students work with a group to analyze a newspaper...
Curated OER
Big Business & Industrial Cities
This is a true gem. This PowerPoint is well-organized, has bullet points you control (which gives you time for discussion), has sound effects, and covers several aspects of American industrialization after 1900. The presentation begins...
Curated OER
A Bracero Remembers Working Near Chicago
In this primary source analysis activity, students analyze an interview with a bracero who describes his memories of working near Chicago. Students respond to 3 short answer questions based on the interview.
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
Thurmond: A Town Born from Coal Mines and Railroads (28)
High schoolers examine the complex and often dangerous daily routines at the Thurmond train depot, and explore how rail workers were immortalized by some of the people they served.
Curated OER
The Growth of the American Labor Movement
Explore the world of labor unions and organized strikes of the early 20th century in this presentation. With stark pictures of child laborers and striking workers, these slides are sure to leave an indelible impression on your students-...
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
Children in the Fields
Fourth graders research Hispanic child labor in California's agricultural period. They create dioramas reflecting the lives of migrant farm workers and political cartoons as produce crate labels, They illustrate farm scenes and hold a...