Judith S. Goodrich
The unit will focus on 8th grade Social Studies performance standards that require students to “explain causes and effects of various events” and “gather historical data from multiple primary and secondary sources.” Performance standards in the Social Studies curriculum address historical thinking, historical themes, and the application of history. Students will develop these historical skills by focusing on content drawn from their study of the Industrial Revolution. Students will connect technological advances to changes in American life; students will analyze the use of energy and engines as these factors contribute to the development of cities and the growth of America. Students will reflect on the changes occurring in American life, society and economy over time, and focusing on technological advancements, will respond to the question:
Is the history of the growth of a city a history of progress?
The critical thinking skills the students will acquire in completing this project -- researching and finding evidence, taking a personal stand, recognizing divergent viewpoints, supporting a point of view-- are directly applicable to the Interdisciplinary Section of the CAPT that they will first encounter as sophomores in high school. The
Writing Across the Disciplines
section of the CAPT requires students to
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Apply knowledge and skills they have gained through their school career to an important contemporary issue. This assessment consists of two Interdisciplinary Writing tests...The tests measure how well students take a clear position on the issue and use accurate information from the articles to support their position. Students are assessed on how well they organize their ideas in a logical and effective manner so that their audience understands and follows their thinking, and express their ideas clearly and fluently using their own words.5
