Activity Overview
Comparing and contrasting is an essential activity when assessing two sides of a conflict. Students will be able to draw conclusions from their comparison, and understand the reasons behind some of the compromises made in the 1850s!
Using a T-Chart, students will compare and contrast the differences between the Northern states and Southern states. This chart will incorporate various facets of life, including economics, production, social life, and everyday activities. Students will first depict life in the North, detailing the industrious activity that defined the Northern economy. Students will also detail daily life, including viewpoints on the morality and constitutionality of slavery as an institution. The second part of the T-Chart will do the same for the South, its economy, and daily life there.
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a T Chart comparing and contrasting the differences between the Northern and Southern states.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, describe the economics, production, social life, and every day activities of Northern States in each cell.
- Create images that illustrate each of the aspects you described using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
- In the other column, describe the same facets of life for the Southern states.
- Create images that illustrate each of the aspects you described using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Comparing and contrasting is an essential activity when assessing two sides of a conflict. Students will be able to draw conclusions from their comparison, and understand the reasons behind some of the compromises made in the 1850s!
Using a T-Chart, students will compare and contrast the differences between the Northern states and Southern states. This chart will incorporate various facets of life, including economics, production, social life, and everyday activities. Students will first depict life in the North, detailing the industrious activity that defined the Northern economy. Students will also detail daily life, including viewpoints on the morality and constitutionality of slavery as an institution. The second part of the T-Chart will do the same for the South, its economy, and daily life there.
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a T Chart comparing and contrasting the differences between the Northern and Southern states.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, describe the economics, production, social life, and every day activities of Northern States in each cell.
- Create images that illustrate each of the aspects you described using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
- In the other column, describe the same facets of life for the Southern states.
- Create images that illustrate each of the aspects you described using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Comparing the North and South Before the Civil War
Plan an Engaging Class Debate on North vs. South Differences
Organize a classroom debate to help students actively engage with the topic. This strategy encourages critical thinking as students defend the perspectives of either the North or South, applying their research and comparison skills in a lively format.
Assign Roles and Prepare Debate Teams
Divide students into two groups, assigning each the role of representing either the North or South. Give students time to research and prepare arguments using their T-Charts and class materials. Assign roles such as speakers, note-takers, and questioners to ensure all students participate.
Create Debate Questions and Rules Together
Work with your class to create clear, focused questions for the debate and agree on simple ground rules. This step helps students understand expectations and promotes a respectful, structured discussion.
Facilitate the Debate and Encourage Active Listening
Guide the debate, prompting students to use evidence from their T-Charts. Encourage active listening by having teams respond directly to each other's points, fostering deeper understanding of different viewpoints.
Reflect and Discuss Key Takeaways as a Class
After the debate, lead a whole-class reflection on what students learned about the differences between the North and South. Highlight the importance of considering multiple perspectives when studying history.
Frequently Asked Questions about Comparing the North and South Before the Civil War
What are the main differences between the North and South before the Civil War?
The North and South differed greatly before the Civil War: The North was more industrialized, with factories and diverse production, while the South had an agricultural economy centered on plantations and slave labor. Socially, the North opposed slavery and supported abolition, whereas the South defended it as essential to their way of life.
How can I teach students to compare the North and South using a T-Chart?
To teach comparison using a T-Chart: Divide the chart into two columns, one for the North and one for the South. Have students list and illustrate differences in economics, production, social life, and daily activities. Encourage them to use images and short descriptions for each aspect.
Why is comparing the North and South important for understanding the Civil War?
Comparing the North and South helps students understand the root causes of the Civil War. Differences in economy, culture, and views on slavery led to tensions and compromises in the 1850s, making comparison key to grasping historical context.
What are some examples of economic differences between Northern and Southern states in the 1850s?
Economic differences included: The North focused on manufacturing, factories, and wage labor, while the South relied on plantation agriculture and slave labor, primarily growing cotton and tobacco.
How does real-time collaboration benefit students when comparing the North and South?
Real-time collaboration lets students work together on assignments, encouraging deeper thinking, better communication, and faster completion. It’s especially useful for group T-Charts, allowing multiple students to contribute ideas instantly.
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