Activity Overview
In this activity, students will showcase the significance of several individuals during the Industrial Revolution and the impact their contributions had on society. Students should consider asking "Why is this important?" to guide their research. Students will create a spider map detailing the significance of at least three figures of the Industrial Revolution. Students should be encouraged to create two lists in their research labeled “Nice to Know” and “Need to Know” when they come across details and facts about their researched individuals.
For an alternative assignment or a more in depth look at different major figures, students can create biography posters! This activity encourages further research into a person's life and accomplishments, and can be helpful for understanding how they came to make the decisions that influenced history.
Great Minds of the Industrial Revolution
- Eli Whitney
- Alexander Graham Bell
- George Stephenson
- Thomas Newcomen
- James Watt
- Robert Fulton
- Henry Ford
- James Hargreaves
- Sir Humphry Davy
- Sir Henry Bessemer
- The Luddites
- Chartists
- Andrew Carnegie
- John D. Rockefeller
- Joseph Locke
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
Choose three significant individuals from the Industrial Revolution and create a spider map storyboard that details who they are and what they did.
- Select three figures and research their significance and legacy.
- Write the names of each figure in the title boxes.
- Describe who they were and what their impact was in the description boxes.
- Create an visualization of them and perhaps one of their significant moments using scenes, characters, and objects.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least 3 important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than 3 important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will showcase the significance of several individuals during the Industrial Revolution and the impact their contributions had on society. Students should consider asking "Why is this important?" to guide their research. Students will create a spider map detailing the significance of at least three figures of the Industrial Revolution. Students should be encouraged to create two lists in their research labeled “Nice to Know” and “Need to Know” when they come across details and facts about their researched individuals.
For an alternative assignment or a more in depth look at different major figures, students can create biography posters! This activity encourages further research into a person's life and accomplishments, and can be helpful for understanding how they came to make the decisions that influenced history.
Great Minds of the Industrial Revolution
- Eli Whitney
- Alexander Graham Bell
- George Stephenson
- Thomas Newcomen
- James Watt
- Robert Fulton
- Henry Ford
- James Hargreaves
- Sir Humphry Davy
- Sir Henry Bessemer
- The Luddites
- Chartists
- Andrew Carnegie
- John D. Rockefeller
- Joseph Locke
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
Choose three significant individuals from the Industrial Revolution and create a spider map storyboard that details who they are and what they did.
- Select three figures and research their significance and legacy.
- Write the names of each figure in the title boxes.
- Describe who they were and what their impact was in the description boxes.
- Create an visualization of them and perhaps one of their significant moments using scenes, characters, and objects.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description includes at least 3 important facts about the famous or historic figure. | The description includes less than 3 important facts or it includes information that is not pertinent to the famous or historic figure. | The description is incomplete and does not contain important information about the famous or historic figure. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the famous or historic figure. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about The Great Minds of The Industrial Revolution
Engage students with a classroom debate on Industrial Revolution inventors
Debates motivate students to think critically and defend their ideas. Choose two or three influential inventors from the Industrial Revolution. Assign students to teams to represent each figure. Provide research time so teams can prepare arguments about why their inventor had the greatest impact. Facilitate a respectful exchange where each team presents and rebuts. End with a reflective class discussion on the value of each contribution.
Assign research teams and clarify debate roles
Divide students into small teams, each representing a different inventor. Assign specific roles within each group—such as lead speaker, researcher, and rebuttal specialist—to ensure everyone participates and stays focused.
Guide students to gather compelling evidence
Encourage teams to use credible sources to find facts, quotes, and primary sources about their inventor. Remind students to organize their findings with 'Need to Know' and 'Nice to Know' lists, just like in the original activity.
Facilitate the debate and encourage respectful rebuttals
Moderate the debate by enforcing time limits and guiding students to use evidence when responding to opposing arguments. Model respectful disagreement and ensure all voices are heard.
Wrap up with a reflective discussion and quick-write
After the debate, lead a short class discussion about what students learned and how opinions may have changed. Have students write a brief reflection on which inventor they believe had the greatest impact and why, using evidence from the debate.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Great Minds of The Industrial Revolution
What is a spider map activity for teaching the Industrial Revolution?
A spider map activity is a graphic organizer where students visually connect facts and ideas about key figures of the Industrial Revolution, helping them organize information on who these individuals were and their impact on society.
How can I help students choose important figures from the Industrial Revolution?
Encourage students to research various individuals like Eli Whitney or James Watt, compare their contributions, and consider how each person influenced technological and social change during the Industrial Revolution.
What are the steps for creating a biography poster on an Industrial Revolution leader?
To make a biography poster: select a key figure, research their life and achievements, summarize their significance in short sections, and add visuals or images to illustrate their impact on history.
What’s the difference between 'Need to Know' and 'Nice to Know' facts in student research?
'Need to Know' facts are essential details about an individual’s role and impact, while 'Nice to Know' facts add interesting background or lesser-known information that enrich understanding.
Why is it important to study the major figures of the Industrial Revolution in middle school?
Studying major figures helps students understand how individual innovations and decisions sparked widespread changes, connecting personal stories to larger historical events and making history more relatable.
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