Change Happens

Language Arts and Art Activity

WHAT YOU NEED

• Reference materials on general history and specific inventions, tools, technology, and methods
• Poster board
• Art materials

WHAT TO DO

1. Write the following terms on the chalkboard:

   transportation
   manufacturing
   movement of goods
   agriculture communication
   education
   health care
   entertainment
   

   Explain to students that society is held together by these activities that we normally take for granted. Each one of these, however, has changed over time, sometimes gradually, sometimes dramatically, as methods, machines, and technology have improved.

2. Tell students that they are going to illustrate mini-histories of development and change in one of these areas. To do so, they will use a comic-strip format (that is, a series of illustrated panels). For example, a strip on transportation might begin with a panel showing a horse-drawn carriage and evolve into travel by jet plane. Accompanying text can provide additional information, such as a rough comparison of speed of travel, dates of inventions, etc.

3. Display students finished strips as a gallery of change. Allow time for students to browse and study each other's work. Invite other classes, families, and community members to view the strips.

TEACHING OPTIONS

Some students might concentrate on one specific product or service within a broader area. For example, a student might show how milk production has changed over time. In medicine, students might show the developments in anesthesia.

You may be able to invite a practioner in one of these areas to class to share the history of the profession, skill, or technology.

The library may have, or be able to obtain, copies of early catalogues from mail-order houses, such as the 1909 Sears Catalogue. Have students compare their contents to the contents of modern-day catalogues.