DocsTeach
A Petition for the Cotton Gin
While almost forgotten today, the cotton gin could be seen as one of the causes of the Civil War. The innovation led to more cotton production, which in turn undermined political power balances in the 1800s. Individuals unpack the...
Curated OER
Industrial Revolution: A Definition
America sure did have a few growing pains during the Industrial Revolution. Share the problems, causes, effects, and reformation that marked the turn of the century and shift in policy during US industrialization. This slide show...
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Early 19c Industrialization in America: The Market Revolution
Posing a question about the effects of American Industrialization, this presentation provides viewers with a comprehensive look at the 19th century. From the "Lowell Girls" to the Iron Horse, these slides would be an excellent supplement...
Curated OER
Innovative Inventions
Help your scholars get a grasp on the chronology of the Industrial Revolution with this "Innovative Inventions" worksheet. They discover what year various items were invented, and then create a timeline placing each invention and...
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The Cotton Gin
Students are introduced to an early American inventor, Eli Whitney, and his experiences with the Patent Office. The economic importance of the cotton gin and its impact on slavery are also addressed.
Curated OER
Inventor's Challenge Review
In this science activity, students match each invention or device to its inventor listed on the right. There are 32 inventors listed and some may be used twice. Then they order the items in each group from oldest to newest and state the...
Curated OER
Eli Whitney's Patent for the Cotton Gin
Learners review the U.S. patent laws by researching Eli Whitney's petition for a renewal on his cotton gin patent. They examine documents to assess the impact of the cotton gin, role-play the patent hearing and discuss the effects of...
Curated OER
Clothesline Sleuth
Sixth graders investigate the origins of clothing production. In this Social Studies lesson, 6th graders examine the components of agriculture involved in making clothes. Students research cotton.
Curated OER
New Technologies
In this technologies lesson plan, students research and write short answers for the inventions of the Cotton Gin, McCormick Reaper, Steamboat, and Steam Locomotive. Students answer 4 questions for each.
Curated OER
Influential Inventions
In this inventions worksheet, students write the description and impact of 4 influential inventions. Students do this for the cotton gin, the reaper, the steamboat, and the steam locomotive.
Curated OER
The Impact of the Cotton Gin
Fourth graders study Eli Whitney and the cotton gin. In this activity on the cotton gin, 4th graders use primary and secondary sources to gather information about Eli Whitney, the cotton gin that he invented and how it changed the south.
Curated OER
King Cotton
Fifth graders examine the manufacturing of cotton. For this cotton and slavery lesson, 5th graders review background information about cotton and slavery. Students examine a real cotton ball and discuss why it was painful to pick....
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Inventor's Challenge
In this science worksheet, students use reference materials to complete the information for each inventor, including invention created and their nationality. They also construct a time line to illustrate the development of technology...
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Jane's Dress Worksheet Series
Students read a story from MotherGooseCaboose.com prior to answering a series of questions about it. After examining the story for patterns, they compose their own tale including a title and details.
National First Ladies' Library
Eli Whitney: A Top Ten Inventor?
Middle schoolers conduct research and present their findings in a persuasive manner. Then they work in groups to enhance the development of cooperative work skills. Students also present their findings through persuasive skills in...
Curated OER
Thoreau
Eleventh graders answer the question Why Westborough? Why did their town develop as it did, what types of industry were here and why. They are introduced to journal writing. Students free write about ideas that stand out from class. ...
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Images of Slavery
Students analyze the ways slavery shaped social and economic life in the South after 1800, methods of passive and active resistance to slavery; escaped slaves and the Underground Railroad, and the ending of the Atlantic slave trade.
Curated OER
JUST A MATTER OF TIME
Students recognize the dynamic changes in themselves and in agriculture that have occurred through the years. They are shown pictures of a baby or students are asked to think of their little brothers or sisters or themselves in...
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Cotton Production and Milling
Students examine cotton production and milling. They compete in a hand-ginning contest to realize how difficult it was to separate the seeds from the fibers of cotton. They discuss why Eli Whitney's cotton gin was an important invention.