Introduction
This is a WebQuest about the Great Chicago Fire and the role of urbanization in the United States during the late 19th century.
Introduction
The Great Chicago Fire drastically changed not only the city of Chicago, but how the world viewed cities. During the 1870's, the United States was still recovering from the destructive Civil War. To complicate matters, a worldwide shift in economic forces was gaining steam It was a time of huge transitions. In the midst of all this change, an entire city burnt down. People all over were fascinated and excited about the opportunity to create a modern city. The city of Chicago became representative of many movements of the time from all different areas such as architecture, commerce, and public design.
By Sarah Hulsey
Task
You have just gone back in time to June, 1871. You live in Chicago and moved there within the last 10 years. Your job will be to describe the city before, during, and after the Great Chicago Fire to someone who does not live there.
You will do it one of three formats:
Diary
Personal letter
Newspaper article
Process
The assignment is for you to write in the first person in the style of one of the three below:
- journal of a resident
- letter from a resident to a friend or family member living somewhere else
- newspaper article
There will be four entries no less than one page. In the first three entries you will need to describe several things:
- how the city looks,
- who the residents are
- where and how the residents live (costs of living, locations, types of housing, means of transportation)
- something about the industries in Chicago
- anything else you care to add.
The first segment will be from before the fire. The second one will be from a day or two after the fire, and the third segment will be 5 years after the fire. In the second and third segments you will discuss how the fire has impacted the city.
The final segment will be an analysis if the industrialization movement and its impact on 1) Creating the Chicago fire and 2) the rebuilding of the city.
You will also be required to find three images to supplement your written work. Maps, graphs, and photos are all interesting ways to enhance your work.
This is an individual project meaning that each student is responsible for handing in their own original work.
Start here and learn something about the Great Chicago Fire and late 19th century United States. Once you have decided on a format for your project, check out some other links about how to write a newspaper article, what a journal entry could look like, and how to collect images.
Great Chicago Fire
Images and Essays about Chicago Before, During, and After the Fire
Great Chicago Fire on Wikipedia
19th Century United States
19th Century United States on Wikipedia
Lots of links on 19th Century America
More Links on 19th Century America
Writing a Newspaper Article
Formula for a Well-Written Article
Printable Outline to Assist in Writing a Newspaper Article
Sample Historical Journals
Variety of Historical Journals
Finding Images and Creating Graphs
How to Find and Download Images
Evaluation
Evaluation
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Beginning 5 |
Proficient 10 |
Mastery 15 |
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|---|---|---|---|
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Presentation
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Material was presented in a hard to follow fashion. Little thought was given to the manner of presentation . |
Material was presented in a logical and attractive manner. Information was complete but not extraordinary |
Used innovative and aesthetically pleasing lay out. Was creative in the type and manner of information provided . |
|
Structure |
Excessive errors in grammar and/or spelling were made. Format was not followed |
Grammar and spelling were mostley correct. Format was followed in most instances. |
Grammar and spelling were correct. Format was followed |
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Information |
Information was incomplete with major facts missing. Analysis was absent |
Information was correct and basic. Analysis was basic but correct |
Information is thorough and correct. Interesting and relevant facts were added. Analysis and connections made were insightful |
This project has 45 total points available.
Conclusion
The Great Chicago Fire was an important event in the history of Chicago as well as the history of the United States. Post-Civil War America was a time of great change for everyone. I hope that through this WebQuest you saw how one event can set off a series of events that can have consequences for generations.
Credits
Me
Teacher Page
This is a WebQuest about the Great Chicago Fire and the role of urbanization in the United States during the late 19th century.
Student Introduction
This WebQuest is designed not only to learn about one of the major events of the 19th century, the Great Chicago Fire, but also to learn about the importance of urbanization.
Resources are included