Name:
Date Due:
US I
Kercher/Meyer
Modern America Emerges (1880s-1920s)
Introduction:
Many of the characteristics recognizable to modern Americans developed during the turn-of-the-century. These
characteristics include the rise of large corporate enterprises, the growth of urban areas, the increasing diversity of
populations and the internal migration to the West. The rapid nature of these changes demonstrated the dynamic
capacities of the United States; however, the rapidity of these changes did result in dramatic growing pains as the
country expanded. The unique American response to these changes and challenges will be echoed throughout the
20th and 21st centuries. You and your partners will do your best to create a presentation that illustrates the rapid
changes that shape Modern American History.
Overarching Essential Question:
To what extent can rapid development of a country be controlled?
Objectives:
➢ Describe examples of rapid development associated with your topic.
➢ Demonstrate the benefits and problems resulting from the development of your topic.
➢ Use presentation skills and programs to convey your research to an audience.
Topics:
A. Settling the Western Frontier (Chapter 13 – pages 406-429)
B. Industrialization and the Gilded Age (Chapter 14 – pages 436-455)
C. Rapid Immigration and Urbanization (Chapter 15 – pages 460-477)
D. Unique American Social Characteristics (Chapter 16 – pages 482-491, 498-503)
E. Progressivism (Chapter 17 – pages 512-522, 525-528, and 532-533)
Materials:
Textbook, Media Center materials and databases, Google Slides or online presentation platforms and Mr.
Kercher/Mrs. Meyer
Procedures:
Step 1:
Read the pages associated with your topic and begin to formulate an answer to the overarching and topical essential
questions. These questions will frame your lesson and presentation.
Step 2:
Divide the topics and responsibilities of the topic with your partners. Create a GoogleSlide and invite all teammates
and teachers to join.
Step 3:
Begin research. You should look for information about your topic as well as illustrations (charts, maps, photographs,
paintings, etc.) that will make your presentation more effective and interesting. Save information/illustrations/ etc.
on the GoogleSlide. HINT: You might want to recreate/scan/search for the charts/graphs in your textbook if they
are relevant to your presentation.
Step 4:
Arrange your research into a 20-minute lesson/presentation. You should have 5-6 slides in your presentation.
Tips for presentation:
Make sure that you include the following information:
~ Description of the topic and time period
~ Focus your content/research to answer the overarching and topical essential questions
~ All of the mandatory terms (bolded) and some supplemental terms (italicized)
~ Include an opening “Do now” activity to engage your audience into the lesson
~ Include a primary source document or political cartoon (lots of these available) in your lesson
~ five QUALITY multiple choice questions to end your lesson. These questions may end up on the test.
Outcomes:
1: Completion of Group Presentation = 25 points (See Rubric)
2: Completion of Project Test = 50 points