If Trees Could Talk Modules

Fueling the Fires of Industrialization

logpile

OVERVIEW

Fueling the Fires has students examine the role wood played in the American Industrial Revolution. By calculating how much wood was consumed by U.S. railroads before and after the invention of wood preservatives, in addition to reading about the use of barbed wire for fencing, students will observe the connection between technology and forest conservation. Students also will learn how research and development have contributed to the diverse use of forest products in everyday household items.

Image Caption: Railroads consumed vast quantities of wood. 
Crossties were hued and sawn by the millions. 
British Columbia Forest Service Photo.

OBJECTIVE

History
  • The student understands the connections among industrialization, the advent of the modern corporation and material well-being.
    (Era 6: The Development of Industrial United States, Standard 1A)
  • The student understands the effects of rapid industrialization on the environment.
    (Era 6: The Development of Industrial United States, Standard 1D)
  • Social Studies
    • The student will analyze the role that supply and demand, prices, incentives, and profits play in determining what is produced and distributed in a competitive market system.
      (Standard 7b: Production, Distribution & Consumption)
    • The student will show through specific example how science and technology have changed people's perceptions of the social and natural world, such as in their relationship to the lands, animal life, family life, and economic needs, wants and security.
      (Standard 8b: Science, Technology, & Society)

    STATE STANDARDS

LESSON PLAN

OVERVIEW

Download and print Module 3: one Teacher pages copy & one copy per student of the Student pages PDFs using Adobe Acrobat.

Day 4 activity: Pre-class preparation: Click on "Object Cards." Place the items listed on the cards in five separate numbered containers or boxes. For example, box one should contain a packet of instant hot chocolate, a small package of tissues, and a container of glue. Make sure that the boxes or containers have lids so that students cannot see the objects until they are instructed to do so. Cut out the five "object cards," but do not place them in the corresponding boxes at this time.

DAY ONE
DAY TWO
DAY THREE
DAY FOUR
DAY FIVE