This module for fourth- and fifth-grade students presents economic
issues in American history. Lessons emphasize Illinois State
Goal 15
from colonial times to the present day, with special attention
to producers and consumers, labor issues, important figures in
labor and industry, and the global economy. Teachers can chose
one or more economics lessons to supplement teaching of other
social studies topics.
Read the Module Teaching Guide
here.
| The New Deal | |||
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This lesson describes the programs implemented by Franklin Delano Roosevelt during his presidency to help the nation's economic recovery. | Teacher
Resources |
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| A Coal Mining Family | |||
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This lesson tells a story about the dangerous working conditions in coal mines in the early 20th century. | Teacher
Resources |
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| Bound Labor | |||
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This lesson focuses on two forms of bound labor -- indenture and slave -- that were used on farms and plantations in the colonial and early American period. | Teacher
Resources |
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| Losing the Farm | |||
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This
lesson tells the story of a migrant worker family bound for California
in the 1930s. |
Teacher
Resources |
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| Moo and Oink | |||
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This lesson tells the story of the rise of the meat packing industry in Chicago in the 19th century. | Teacher
Resources |
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| Swift Success | |||
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Follow-up lesson to "Moo and Oink" focusing on Gustavus Swift, a pioneer in the meat packing industry in the 19th century. | Teacher
Resources |
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| The Plantation Economy | |||
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A follow-up lesson to "Bound Labor," it describes the rise and fall of the plantation economy in the American South between 1730-1865. | Teacher
Resources |
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| Welcome to Slatersville | |||
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This lesson tells the story of Samuel Slater and the start of the industrial revolution in America in the late 18th century. | Teacher
Resources |
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| Women in Industry | |||
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This lesson describes how women entered the work force in huge numbers during World War II when many men were stationed overseas. | Teacher
Resources |
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| City of Big Shoulders | |||
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This lesson is about Chicago in the mid-19th century and how it became the center of commerce. | Teacher
Resources |
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This resource is made possible by funding from the
Chicago
Public Schools | University of Chicago Internet Project (CUIP)