Does 19th Century Agriculture Impact the State’s Modern Economy?

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This inquiry explores some of the dynamic changes occurring in the agriculture sector in North Dakota before 1900 through the investigation of the compelling question “Does19th century agriculture impact the state’s modern economy?” The importance of understanding farming and ranching in this inquiry is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand some of the changes that influenced the state’s early economy and (2) students will benefit from understanding how these economic activities influenced and developed into North Dakota’s modern economy. While progressing through the inquiry, students will analyze the changes occurring in the ag sector and speculate future scenarios for the state. In doing so, students can better understand the impact of market forces on their own career choices.

This inquiry is expected to take four class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.

Inquiry Design Model (IDM) Blueprint™
Compelling Question
Does19th century agriculture impact the state’s modern economy?
Standards and Practices
ND.6_12.3.1 Describe the early economic activities of our state prior to 1900 and how they developed into North Dakota’s modern economy.
Staging the Question
Make a list of significant agricultural changes and innovations that influenced the North Dakota economy prior to 1900. Compare and contrast the 1890 and 1992 agricultural censuses.
Supporting Question 1
Supporting Question 2
Supporting Question 3
Supporting Question 4
What economic trends influenced farming in North Dakota prior to 1900?
What economic trends influenced ranching in North Dakota prior to 1900?
How did agriculture change for Native American tribes during this period?
How did women influence agriculture prior to 1900?
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Formative Performance Task
Analyze the featured sources and write a short summary about them.
Analyze the featured sources and write a short summary about them.
Analyze the featured sources and write a short summary about them.
Analyze the featured source and create a graphic organizer that supports or refutes the author’s claim with evidence.
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
Featured Sources
  • Pioneer Farms Document Set
  • Welk Farmstead State Historic Site
  • Dawes Act
Summative Performance Task
Argument
How did early trends in farming and ranching influence the development of the modern North Dakota economy? How will environmental changes and new technologies continue to affect the development of agriculture and the North Dakota economy? Construct an argument that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views. Create a TikTok Public Service announcement about agriculture's relevance to North Dakota and the world!
Extension
Invite a county extension agent to speak to the class about modern changes in the ag industry including innovations and career potentials such as drones, driverless vehicles, satellite data gathering, GPS/GIS, conservation (water management, habitat protection), and changes in the energy industry that affect ag too (wind, ethanol, solar, mineral holdings, etc.).
Taking Informed Action

Understand: Find an example of a modern development in agriculture that has resulted in a variety of consequences for humans.

Assess: Determine the intended and unintended consequences of the innovation identified.

Act: Take the poster you created to present to your class and use it to create an exhibit to present to your community during a history fair.