Occupations in the 1860s

Students role-play as pioneers in Illinois river towns. They research and choose a home town and participate in the development of the town. They present their simulation in either a written report or visual presentation.

Middle schoolers will explore the Morrill Acts and how the agricultural system is involved in education through the land-grant colleges.1. Have groups find the addresses of the land-grant universities in their assigned states and write a...

Students evaluate the impact of transportation on society, the economy, communication, and travel. They complete an inquiry project about modern modes of transportation, and compare transportation of the 19th century to transportation...

Students follow an overview of the American Civil War from a film, the text and/or teacher direct instruction. They create a timeline with a large map of the U.S. in the 1860's available for student reference as they do the spider activity.

Eighth graders examine the role of technology. In the Civil War lesson, 8th graders look at the advent of photography and determine the impact of photography on the Civil War.

Eighth graders, working in pairs, explore the technological advances of the 19th century particularly photography. Researching on the Internet, they find the earliest photograph and prepare to use notes to answer questions about the...