Moldy canned goods, exploding ketchup, and filthy conditions: These were some of the issues the reformers of the Progressive Era targeted with legislation such as the Pure Food and Drug Act. Using images of food factories and documents such as the writings of Upton Sinclair, learners sort through the problems and reforms of the era by using an interactive timeline.

Concepts

us food and drug administration, the progressive era, meat, food safety, primary source analysis, primary source images, primary sources, consumers

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the activity to review the major reforms for consumer safety during the Progressive Era
• Offer the lesson to introduce the Progressive Era consumer reforms

Classroom Considerations

• Some images and descriptions are graphic

Pros

• Details are engrossing
• Activity is interactive and requires critical thinking

Cons

• Timeline interface is clunky and difficult to use

Common Core

RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.2 RH.6-8.7 RH.6-8.10