(Free) US Industrial Revolution: A Primary and Secondary Source Investigation into Labor Conditions Lesson and Activity

Student Objective and Purpose
Students will evaluate primary and secondary sources on labor conditions during the Industrial Revolution and will utilize evidence from the sources to support a historical claim. Students will learn about the US industrial revolution and learn how to cite evidence to support a claim. This is a great introduction to writing historical expository paragraphs.


What is Included?
1. Lesson Plan
2. 2 Page Anticipatory Set: Internet required (or print a class copy of an article prior to lesson) about Careers and current event investigation about working conditions in the world today.
3. Two Timelines and student comprehension questions: One timeline examines the technology that spurred the Industrial Revolution in America and the second timeline examines labor conditions in the 1800's.
​4. Five Primary and Secondary Sources with 10 comprehension questions: Three questions will teach students how to cite historical evidence.
5. Historical thinking skills handout: This handout explains what a "claim" and "evidence" is and provides questions and a checklist on how to cite appropriate historical evidence. This will help improve students analytical skills and expository writing.

Click the image below to get the lesson!