This inquiry explores the positive and negative impacts the railroads had on issues including immigration; the economy; agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism; and the environment . This topic is introduced through the investigation of the compelling question “how did railroads change American life?” The importance of understanding this context is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand the intense pressure and tension between Native Americans and the United States to maintain control over the Great Plains and (2) students will benefit from understanding how railroads continue to affect quality of life on the northern Great Plains to the present day. While progressing through the inquiry, students will analyze the changes occurring in transportation and speculate future scenarios.
This inquiry is expected to take two 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.
- Railroad Map Set
- Homestead Act
- Railroad Map Set
- Theodore Roosevelt as a Naturalist and Badlands Rancher
Understand: Identify how railroads impact your community today. Does your community have passenger rail service? Does rail transportation support local industries like agriculture and energy?.
Assess: What kind of social and economic impact does the railroad have on your community today?
Act: Using the poster and additional research you conducted, create a short documentary film. Present the documentary to your community during a history fair.