Industrial Revolution Lesson Plans

Students examine poetry , editorials, and other writings during the Industrial Revolution. They perform a "chalk talk" to explain perceptions, ideas and observations of the working world. Students write poetry and essays modeled after the era.

Students tabulate the First Industrial Revolution where a significant number of inventions and innovations appeared transforming American life. Cite examples of change (ex. telegraph) in the lives of Americans during the era of question. Take a stand as to whether the early period of industrialization should be considered a revolution.

Fifth graders explore child labor and how children were exploited and used in the work place. In this Industrial Revolution lesson plan, 5th graders research child labor by reading, looking at photographs and drawing conclusions then sharing their ideas with the class. Students also compare and contrast laws today to those in 1915.

Students research all the ways that cotton is used in everyday life.  In this history lesson on the Industrial Revolution, students explore the importance of cotton and write an essay describing their findings.

Learners examine urban growth in America. In this urbanization lesson, students watch segments of the Discovery video "Urban Growth in America." Learners conduct further research pertaining to the industrial revolution, New York City's growth, the progressive movement, and gangsters as they design their own cities.

Fifth graders research Milton Hershey and the industrial revolution. In this Milton Hershey lesson plan, 5th graders navigate the Hershey website, view a video of Milton Hershey, and define industrial revolution, depression, economy, perseverance, work ethic, and determination.

Fifth graders listen and read letters written during the early part of the Industrial Revolution. They write letters that show understanding of the circumstances people faced in factories during this time period.

Studnets discover how the Industrial Revolution came to be in the United States. In this technological advancements lesson plan, students research creations by Henry Ford, the Wright Brothers, and Thomas Edison. Students create PowerPoint presentations based on their research findings.

Learners design a solution to a problem based on the Industrial Revolution. In this design lesson plan, students come up with architectural designs and present them to teachers in a simulated factory.

Young scholars research the development of the steam engines. For this US history lesson, students analyze the impact of this invention to civilization. They discuss the events leading to the growth and development of different cities.