Introduction
Pretend you wake up one morning and find out that your parents have lost their jobs, banks have closed, and your family and many other families do not have enough to eat. This is what life was like for millions of Americans during the Great Depression.
You and your partner have been chosen to be a “Depression Era Investigator.” Your job is to learn the main causes of the Great Depression, how people survived the Great Depression, and how President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal programs helped Americans. Throughout your quest, you and your partner will also learn how music, sports, and even literature helped people make it through such a difficult time.
You will use websites, videos, and Diigo to gather evidence to decide which New Deal program was the most helpful to Americans. We will complete the Diigo portion of each section together in small group.
Task
You are now a historian and you will investigate:
Part 1: The Great Depression
- Stock Market Crash of 1929
- Herbert Hoover
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- The Dust Bowl
- Soup Kitchens
Part 2: New Deal Programs
- Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
- Works Progress Administration (WPA)
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Part 3: Culture During the 1930s
- Duke Ellington
- Margaret Mitchell
- Jesse Owens
Once your investigation is complete you will create a presentation telling me:
Which New Deal program helped Americans the most and why?
You will want to make sure to support your answer with evidence from your research.
Process
Step 1: Learn About the Great Depression
Use the resources provided to investigate all about the Great Depression:
Start Here: Ducksters History the Great Depression
As you learn, we will use Diigo in our small groups to:
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Highlight important facts
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Add sticky notes
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Bookmark helpful resources
Research Using the Link attached and listed for each question and use the information to fill in the Great Depression Graphic Organizer
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What caused the Stock Market Crash of 1929?
- How did Herbert Hoover respond?
- Why was Franklin D. Roosevelt elected?
- How did the Dust Bowl make life harder?
- What were soup kitchens and why were they important?
Diigo Assignment
Highlight:
- Yellow = Causes
- Blue = Problems Americans faced
- Green = Ways people received help
Step 2: Investigate the New Deal
Research the New Deal Programs using the links below.
Group A: Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
Find:
- What jobs workers completed
- Who was hired
- How Americans benefited
Group B: Works Progress Administration (WPA)
Find:
- Types of jobs created
- Community projects completed
- Impact on families
Group C: Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Find:
- Why dams were built
- How electricity helped communities
- Impact on the South
Compare Programs
Complete a Venn Diagram showing:
Similarities:
- Government programs
- Created jobs
- Helped Americans
Differences:
- Type of work
- Location
- People served
Step 3: Explore Culture in the 1930s
Research the people who inspired Americans during difficult times.
Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington
- Why was he famous?
- How did music help people?
Margaret Mitchell
- Why is she important?
- What book did she write?
Jesse Owens
- What happened during the 1936 Olympics?
- Why was his success important?
Diigo Activity
We will save one fact and one image for each person in small group.
We will add a note explaining:
"How did this person inspire Americans during the Great Depression?"
Step 4: Analyze the Evidence
Answer the inquiry question:
Which New Deal program helped Americans the most?
Use evidence from:
- CCC
- WPA
- TVA
Include:
- At least three facts
- One comparison
- One reason supporting your opinion
Step 5: Create Your Final Product With Your Partner
Choose ONE:
Option A
Google Slides Presentation
Option B
Digital Poster
Option C
Video Report
Option D
Newspaper Front Page from the 1930s
Your project must include:
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Great Depression facts
-
New Deal comparison
-
Cultural figures
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Your answer to the inquiry question
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Images and evidence
Evaluation
Conclusion
The Great Depression was one of the hardest times in American history. Americans faced unemployment, hunger, and didn't know what the future would hold. Through New Deal programs, government leaders attempted to provide jobs, hope, and economic recovery. At the same time, musicians, athletes, and authors encouraged Americans with their talents and achievements.Think about this:
If you had lived during the Great Depression, which New Deal program would have helped your family the most? Why?
Credits
BrainPop
Britannica Elementary
Diigo
Ducksters History
Kiddle
Library of Congress
National Archives
National Park Service
PBS LearningMedia
Pebble Go
Teacher-created graphic organizer
Teacher Page
Georgia Standards of Excellence
5SS.E.37
Explain how the Great Depression and New Deal affected the lives of millions of Americans.
5SS.E.37.a
Discuss:
- Stock Market Crash of 1929
- Herbert Hoover
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Dust Bowl
- Soup Kitchens
5SS.E.37.b
Analyze the main features of the New Deal by comparing similarities and differences of:
- Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
- Works Progress Administration (WPA)
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
5SS.E.37.c
Discuss important cultural elements of the 1930s:
- Duke Ellington
- Margaret Mitchell
- Jesse Owens
ISTE Standards for Students
1.3 Knowledge Constructor
Students evaluate information from digital resources.
1.4 Innovative Designer
Students create solutions and products using technology.
1.6 Creative Communicator
Students communicate ideas using digital tools.
1.7 Global Collaborator
Students use digital resources to learn and share ideas.