Introduction for Teachers

Designed by Patty Tuttle-Newby (patty_tuttle@apsva.us). Last updated January 2005.

This LibraryQuest was designed to meet several objectives.

1. Familiarize students with the transformation of the United States around the turn of the century.
2. Allow students to do the real work of historians by analyzing primary sources and creating an exhibit demonstrating their interpretation.
3. Encourage students to think about the idea of progress, and about the benefits and consequences that can accompany progress.

This unit addresses unit numbers 2 3 in the Arlington Public Schools 7th Grade American Studies Curriculum.

Enduring Understanding(s): The growth of cities, development of new inventions, improvements in technology and transportation and business innovations all contributed to a transformation of the United States from a rural, agricultural country to an urban industrial nation around the turn of the century.

Conceptual Unit Question: Is progress good?

Key Concepts: Growth of cities, immigration and migration, inventions, improvements in technology and transportation, and business innovations.

[Automobiles at Fremont Tractor Show, Aug. 9, 1916]. From Taking the Long View: Panoramic Photographs, 1851-1991 from American Memory: Historical Collections for the National Digitized Library. http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/i?ammem/pan:@field(NUMBER+@band(pan+6a28267)):displayType=1:m856sd=pan:m856sf=6a28267

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