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Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: America at the Turn of the Century

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
A short report on America by 1900: "..the American nation had established itself as a world power. The West was Won. The frontier -- the great fact of 300 years of American history -- was no more."
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Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Global Oneness Project: Rethinking the Fabrics We Wear

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this lesson, students examine natural and synthetic fibers. Students explore the photo essay in groups and discuss how the sheep farmer offers an alternative to mass production with a focus on the themes of resiliency and...
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Lesson Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: Teachers: America at the Centennial

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A lesson plan requiring student to analyze primary documents from the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876. Students interpret what these historical artifacts say "about the lives and values of Americans in 1876" among other things.
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Interactive
Cornell University

Cornell University: 3 D Body Scanner

For Students 9th - 10th
Body scanning is a new technology that is shifting the focus of apparel production from "Cookie-cutter," to "One-of-a-kind." This site gives information about the technology, visualizations of a body scan, scenarios of the production...
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Handout
Digital History

Digital History: Roots of American Economic Growth: Transformation of the Rural

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the changes in the American economy between 1820 and 1860 that resulted in a market economy encouraged by technological advances in manufacturing.
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Primary
Internet History Sourcebooks Project

Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: "Lowell Mill Girls" by Harriet Robinson

For Students 9th - 10th
Archived news article. A personal account of young female cotton mill workers in Massachusetts during the mid-1800's.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Education: Office Workers

For Students 9th - 10th
Briefly describes the shift in offices from male to female clerical workers. Details the progression of women in going from clerical positions to managerial positions.
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Activity
PBS

Pbs Kids' Africa: Create Your Own Adinkra Cloth

For Students Pre-K - 1st
After a discussion of the Adinkra Cloth, this site goes through a series of steps to create an Adinkra Cloth at home. A list of materials necessary is also included.
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Handout
PBS

Who Made America?: Francis Cabot Lowell:consolidated Manufacturing

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief biography of Francis Cabot Lowell which describes his role in the industrial revolution in the United States. Read about the factory system, the so-called Lowell girls, and mechanization of cloth manufacture.
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Handout
Other

Gotheborg.com: The Swedish East India Company

For Students 9th - 10th
Although lesser known than the Dutch and British East India trading companies, the Swedes were very involved in the trade to Asia. Gotheborg.com provides a history of the company and the goods that it purchased and sold.
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Website
Other

Mighty Fine Films: Where Do You Stand?

For Students 9th - 10th
Through voices of mill workers, learn the struggle of the American worker to unionize. Includes a timeline and a study guide. The website is a companion piece to the film that must be purchased.
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Website
Other

Carpet Museum of Iran

For Students 9th - 10th
The home on the web of Tehran's museum of carpets, which showcases the craftsmanship and beauty of the carpet-weaving traditions of the region. Virtual panoramic tours of the museum's galleries and multiple examples of the rich variety...
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Website
Other

West African Wisdom: Adinkra Symbols & Meanings

For Students 9th - 10th
Dozens of African adinkra symbols and their meanings.
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Handout
Other

Kyoto National Museum: Dictionary for Kids!

For Students 3rd - 8th
This helpful, kid-friendly dictionary is your guide to the museum's collection of Asian art. Read about architecture, paintings, ceramics, and more!
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Article
Other

Fabric for Bachelors or How to Shop for Work Clothes

For Students 9th - 10th
Really fun series of articles about how to pick good quality clothing that will last through the years. Provides tips on selecting fibers, caring for clothes, and proper fit.
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Graphic
University of California

Hearst Museum: Maker's Hand (Art of Africa and China)

For Students 9th - 10th
An examination of the art of Africa and China, in many different media, viewed from an anthropologist's perspective.
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Primary
Other

University at Albany: Recruitment of Female Operatives in the 1840's

For Students 9th - 10th
Tells the story of Lowell Mill factory and the "capturing" of poor white females to "work" in the factories. From "Voice of Industry," January 2, 1846.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

Lemelson Center: True Colors Dyeing Yarn

For Students 9th - 10th
An interesting history and exploration of the technology and invention of dyes and dyeing from earliest times to present and the effects of new colors in yarns on the economy. This is a complete unit of lessons with activities and...
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Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Today in History: December 20: First American Cotton Mill

For Students 9th - 10th
Library of Congress site gives a brief history and photo of the water-powered cotton mill that was built by Samuel Slater with links to related material for more in-depth study. Also, links to information about other historical events.
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Activity
Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation

Guggenheim Museum: Looking at Art: Art Investigations: Community

For Students 3rd - 6th
Examine Faith Ringgold's "Tar Beach" with the help of discussion/writing prompts and a short essay that sheds light on this piece of artwork as well as quilting in African culture.
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Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Fiji: Economy

For Students 9th - 10th
Current information on the economy of Fiji including its exports, manufacturing, increase in tourism, and problem spots. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
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Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Swaziland: Economy

For Students 9th - 10th
Read how Swaziland is attempting to expand its economy beyond agricultural products. Information is from the U.S. State Dept. Background Notes.
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Unit Plan
TED Talks

Ted: Ted Ed: Why Women's Clothing Sizes Don't Make Sense

For Students 9th - 10th
Women's clothing sizes are very inconsistent. Vox explains the women's clothing industry.
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Handout
The History Cat

The History Cat: The Industrial Revolution

For Students 9th - 10th
Summarizes the events of the Industrial Revolution in Britain by highlighting what happened in the cotton industry and the mining industry.

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