Industrial Revolution
Unit Goal: For 6th grade Gifted classes this unit will examine the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century that will later be compared to the Digital Revolution of the 21st century. Students will use these materials to discover the technologies and social forces that inspired the industrialization of the United States. They will evaluate the impact of the Industrial Revolution and explain how it created the modern world we live in. As a summative project, students will chose either, an innovation or person or group of people to investigate and then create a project demonstrating their knowledge. Essential questions: How did the Industrial Revolution shape the modern world? What were the technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution? What was the impact of the IR on society? Who were the winners and losers of the IR?
10 items
This database entry is an extensive, high level, information rich introduction to the Industrial Revolution in US. The introductory article to be used as an anchor text. The entry includes links to primary sources and related articles within the database.
Respected authors, Jonathan Atteberry and Marianne Spoon list of short linked articles on the medical, industrial, and cultural "inventions that made this epoch unique." This article is a good scaffolding introduction and place for more extended research with links to related articles.
From the Biography Channel series these are full length (45 min.) video biographies of well known American industrialists who created and capitalized during the "Gilded Era", i.e. Rockefeller of Standard Oil, J.P. Morgan, Vanderbilt and Carnegie. These can be used for whole class viewing or for individual extension projects.
Comprehensive website from BBC that focuses primarily on beginning of IR in Great Britain but useful as scaffold to big ideas includes articles, activities, videos and interactive quizzes.
This Scholastic database has a wealth of information and formats to begin and enrich this unit of study. There is a short introductory video and an in-depth e-book to read or listen to explaining the origins of the IR in Great Britan and its arrival in the US. There are links to Grolier encyclopedia articles and related websites and instructions for a child labor project. An interactive quiz can be used for assessment.
Collection of primary sources including photographs, portraits of early industrial sites and inventors and manufacturers. Can be viewed in book format. Used to model primary source observation skills and for individual research
A digital collection of the photographs of child workers by Louis Hines and others that documented and advocated for the legislation against child labor. This collection can be used for whole class and individual primary source evidence. Each photo is identified and cited.
Format:
Text focused on science and technology that enabled the IR. To be used as an introductory text includes timelines, relevant vocabulary in each chapter. Hands on extension projects throughout. Special emphasis on chapter 7: Captains of Industry as introduction to important people. includes extensive glossary and website list.
Format:
This well written and researched overview can be used as introduction as well as an immersive text experience. There are 21 hands on activities, ranging from creating diary entries to building a motor, that could be used to foster creative projects.
