The Big Idea Activity

How do new technologies change people's lives?

Conduct an Interview

Students working on Activity


Conduct an interview about changes in people's lives brought about by new technologies. You will interview a classmate, who will take the role of a person living in the 1800s. California Standard 5.3  Students describe the cooperation and conflict that existed among the American Indians and between the Indian nations and the new settlers. California Standard 5.8  Students trace the colonization, immigration, and settlement patterns of the American people from 1789 to the mid-1800s, with emphasis on the role of economic incentives, effects of the physical and political geography, [MORE]

Research RoadmapPrint the Research Roadmap. Use it to take notes and hand it in to your teacher when you make your presentation.

 

Topic Finder

Need help finding a topic? Explore these ideas for research...Technology.

Case Study

Here's an example of a topic you could choose for the Big Idea Activity: Did you know that the Pony Express ran only between April 1860 and October 1861? Once the telegraph lines reached Sacramento, California, there was no need for the Pony Express. Suppose you could interview a Pony Express Rider. What would he say about technology? What would Samuel Morse, inventor of the telegraph, have to say?

Fun Facts Legend has it that Bronco Charlie Miller was 11 years old when he rode for the Pony Express!

 
 

How has technology changed your life? Create a timeline about how people send and receive messages. Be sure to include the latest trends: Email and Instant Messages!

Timeline of the U.S. Postal Service

Explore an Internet Timeline

 
 

New Ideas Bring Change

The Industrial Revolution

People who lived during the Industrial Revolution saw great changes in almost all aspects of their lives. Read this article to learn more about both good and bad effects of the Industrial Revolution.

The Iron Horse

See photographs and read about the history of the Central Pacific Railroad, at this photographic history museum.

Chinese Miners

Although they were often mistreated, the Chinese miners were very good workers. Read more about their hard work.

Settling the West

Trails to Oregon and Utah

Learn more about trails through Utah, then click on the icons to view the different trails that took settlers out west.

Texas and the War with Mexico

Follow this timeline through the events that led to the War with Mexico, and then through the years of the war.

The California Gold Rush

When Gold Fever struck, many Americans left everything behind to find riches in California. Learn more about Gold Fever and the California Gold Rush.