Continuity and Change in a New Century

Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century Continuity and Change in a New Century
This experience is designed to help students interpret the continuity and change between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It focuses on how historians think about events, trends, and progress. First students explain what changes and what stays the same on their thirteenth birthdays. Then they identify a turning point in American history and analyze what changed and what continued after the turning point. Next they define a period and analyze a timeline of transportation or the industrial revolution to describe the continuity and change over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Finally, they create a timeline of their own lives, identifying periods, a turning point, a change, and continuity.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Continuity and Change in a New Century:

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Overview

This experience is designed to help students interpret the continuity and change between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It focuses on how historians think about events, trends, and progress.

First students explain what changes and what stays the same on their thirteenth birthdays. Then they identify a turning point in American history and analyze what changed and what continued after the turning point. Next they define a period and analyze a timeline of transportation or the industrial revolution to describe the continuity and change over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Finally, they create a timeline of their own lives, identifying periods, a turning point, a change, and continuity.

Estimated duration: 35–45 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • process
  • pace
  • gradual
  • benefit
  • transition

Objective

  • Apply historical concepts like continuity, change, and periodization.


Engage


In this unit we turn to a new century in American history, the twentieth century. How was it different from the nineteenth century? What changed? What remained the same?

Objective

  • Apply historical concepts like continuity, change, and periodization.


colorful poster saying “Happy 13th birthday”

Imagine that today is your thirteenth birthday. Your friends plan a surprise party for you, your parents take you to dinner at your favorite restaurant, and your siblings bake a cake for you. What fun!


Think about your life on your birthday—what has changed now that you are thirteen? What continues on like yesterday?


Discuss student responses. The big change is now being called a teenager. Maybe some students get new privileges or responsibilities at home. But their lives probably continue on much the same as the day before.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in The United States in the 20th Century Unit.
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century Shifting Demographics
Shifting Demographics
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century Continuity and Change in a New Century
Continuity and Change in a New Century
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century The Great Depression
The Great Depression
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century Postwar Prosperity: The Origin of the Teenager
Postwar Prosperity: The Origin of the Teenager
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century World War I and the Changing Role of Women
World War I and the Changing Role of Women
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century The U.S. as a World Power
The U.S. as a World Power
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century The Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Rights Movement
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century The United States in the 20th Century: Vocabulary
The United States in the 20th Century: Vocabulary
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century The Rise of Technology
The Rise of Technology
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century Fighting Heroes of World War II
Fighting Heroes of World War II
Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century World War II
World War II
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