The Progressives

Lesson 2: Changing Demographics of US

Time Estimated: 1 day

Objectives:

Students will:

1. Analyze a photograph as a primary source
2. Compare and contrast “old” v. “new” immigration to US
3. Explain how the US’s demographics were changing by interpreting a chart
4. Describe problems that city dwellers faced during this time period
5. Acquire some background information on the Progressives by reading the textbook.

Materials:

• Photographs by Lewis Hine at http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/childlabor/
• Population Information Slide
• Immigration Chart Notes
• Photo Analysis Guide

Strategies:

1. Check for completion of homework assignment and then spend a few minutes going over how students interpreted the Pure Food and Drug Act.
2. Explain that our country was changing a lot during this time period. It is changing in two main ways: internally and externally. Put up the overhead of the Population Information Slide that shows the changing demographics of the US. Discuss this and then ask what problems and conditions this leads to in American cities. (Students should be taking notes during this.)
3. The US is also changing due to external factors. Pass out the Immigration Table and explain the changing nature of immigration. Using the Historical Background go through the chart and explain as the students fill it in.
4. All of this had an effect on our changing country. To illustrate this effect, first select and show one of Hine’s photos. Ask students to describe what they see. Using the Photo Analysis Guide go thorough one photo as a class as a way to model the skill to them. Then hand out copies of the Photo Analysis Guide and copies of Hine’s photos to pairs of students. Have them fill in their guide with information from their pictures. (Depending on time, share some of their findings to illustrate the effects of this changing American system.)
5. Homework: read chapter 32 from text, Progressivism and Roosevelt, 1901 - 1912.

Differentiation:

This lesson uses direct instruction, visual learning from photographs, and analysis of a chart. This allows for all learners needs to be met. Students work as pairs and there is class discussion as well.