United States History

“Picturing” America at the turn of the twentieth century

Students link together the literature and the history of the United States at the turn of the twentieth century. Questions guide students as they study visual documents. Students also read the teacher's choice of two widely anthologized short stories and an excerpt from a best-selling novel of the period. Two exercises will raise student awareness of the impact that visual images have on their lives: one that is based on internet advertising and a second that results in a student-produced scrapbook.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Computer Technology Skills)

By Scott Culclasure.

Child Labor in Cotton Mills of the Early 20th Century

This lesson will provide students with a look into mill life and child labor in the South in the early 20th century, as part of the story of American industrialization. Students will examine a poster from a mill village as a focus and review activity and students will read a document calling for an end to child labor in Southern cotton mills, especially focusing on ending the employment of females under 14 years of age.

Format: lesson plan (grade 11–12 Social Studies)

By John Schaefer and Victoria Schaefer.

Turning the Century

Students will create a museum display illustrating life during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Information Skills, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Computer Technology Skills)

By Lisa Stamey.

Lesson plans on the web

Carnegie libraries: The future made bright

Using maps, images, and web texts, students explore the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie and the impact of the libraries he endowed. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 and 8–12 Information Skills and Social Studies)

Provider: Teaching With Historic Places: National Park Service