Curated OER
Three Centuries of Child Labor In America
Fifth graders investigate the history of child labor that is found in America. They use a variety of resources to conduct research. Students create cause and effect arguments using the information that is found. They also compare and...
Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media
Labor Unions in an Industrializing U.S.
Have class members eager to enter the workforce? They'll be glad to learn that things aren't how they used to be. Have your young historians examine then discuss four primary source images related to the negative effects of...
Curated OER
Work, Lyddie! Work!
Students research links concerning early factory labor, child labor in today's world, and diseases on young laborers. They work on a loom, analyze a mill bell schedule, read a mill girl's diary, and write a poem or song exhibiting empathy.
Curated OER
Early Industrialization
Eighth graders analyze primary source documents emphasizing young people in factory labor (mill workers during 1840-1860). They study hours of labor, ages of laborers, reasons for working, and working conditions. They write a poem or song.
Advocates for Human Rights
The Right to Workers in United States
To raise awareness and understanding of modern-day slavery, class groups research the various forms of slavery, including human trafficking, read and reflect on case studies, and design a plan of action for their community.
Curated OER
The Most Dangerous Woman in America: Mary Harris "Mother" Jones
Students discover labor issues of the 1800's. In this Pennsylvanian history lesson, students research the case of Mary Harris Jones and discover her work as a labor activist. Students discuss the case together in class.
Curated OER
Lesson Five: Newsflash: CBS Evening News
Students observe a CBS Evening News clip which they request in advance. They investigate the four major types of modern-slavery. They present a visual image and identify personal elements in the life of a modern day slave.
Curated OER
Lesson Four: Understanding the Personal Reality of Slavery
Students investigate the four types of modern-day slavery: forced, debt bondage, chattel and child labor. They create a piece of art depicting their feelings after reading a case study about slavery.
Curated OER
Legal Definitions of Childhood
Students examine how various cultures define childhood. Using the internet, they research how countries around the world determine who is a child. They identify the sources they most relate with as a child.
Curated OER
WWI and Twenties & Thirties
Students study economics and timelines of events to understand changes in America. In this Twenties and Thirties lesson, students navigate Internet sites to research famous reformers. Students recognize the economic changes through...