Activity Overview
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s hurt not only farmers, but the American economy in general. Crop failures caused great stress on the trade and sale of many consumer goods. In turn, this caused even greater stress on the economy as a whole. Using a spider map, students will identify and explain the significance of the Dust Bowl and its role in the Great Depression using the 5 Ws. This analysis will provide further insight into how many average American workers and farmers were affected by it.
Students should answer the following questions:
- WHO did the Dust Bowl affect?
- WHAT was the Dust Bowl?
- WHEN did the Dust Bowl occur?
- WHERE did it take place?
- WHY is the Dust Bowl important to the Depression?
Extended Activity
Have students research and identify the 5 Ws of another major market failure. It can be any event or market failure, whether related to farming and food production, or to the failure of a technology or business. Students should draw connections between the Dust Bowl and the failure or crippling of this modern market.
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 storyboard that explains the role of the Dust Bowl in the Great Depression using the 5Ws: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s hurt not only farmers, but the American economy in general. Crop failures caused great stress on the trade and sale of many consumer goods. In turn, this caused even greater stress on the economy as a whole. Using a spider map, students will identify and explain the significance of the Dust Bowl and its role in the Great Depression using the 5 Ws. This analysis will provide further insight into how many average American workers and farmers were affected by it.
Students should answer the following questions:
- WHO did the Dust Bowl affect?
- WHAT was the Dust Bowl?
- WHEN did the Dust Bowl occur?
- WHERE did it take place?
- WHY is the Dust Bowl important to the Depression?
Extended Activity
Have students research and identify the 5 Ws of another major market failure. It can be any event or market failure, whether related to farming and food production, or to the failure of a technology or business. Students should draw connections between the Dust Bowl and the failure or crippling of this modern market.
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 storyboard that explains the role of the Dust Bowl in the Great Depression using the 5Ws: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about The Role of the Dust Bowl in the Great Depression
How to Facilitate a Class Debate on the Dust Bowl’s Impact
Boost student engagement by organizing a classroom debate about the effects of the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. Debates help students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills while deepening their understanding of historical events.
Divide students into pro and con teams about the Dust Bowl’s impact.
Assign students to teams that will argue either that the Dust Bowl was the most significant factor in the Great Depression, or that other factors played a larger role. This encourages research and collaboration as students build their arguments.
Guide students to research and gather supporting evidence.
Have students use primary and secondary sources to collect facts, quotes, and data that support their team’s stance. Researching evidence strengthens their arguments and builds information literacy.
Set clear debate rules and time limits.
Explain the structure: opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments. Setting guidelines ensures a respectful, organized debate and gives all students a chance to participate.
Facilitate the debate and encourage respectful discussion.
Moderate the debate, prompting teams to state their points and respond to counterarguments. Encourage students to listen actively and challenge ideas, not people, for a positive learning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Role of the Dust Bowl in the Great Depression
What was the Dust Bowl and how did it impact the Great Depression?
The Dust Bowl was a severe drought and series of dust storms in the 1930s that devastated the American Plains. It caused massive crop failures, worsening the Great Depression by hurting farmers and the broader economy.
Who was most affected by the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression?
Farmers and rural families in the Great Plains were most directly impacted by the Dust Bowl, but its economic effects spread nationwide, contributing to widespread hardship during the Great Depression.
Where did the Dust Bowl happen and why is that region significant?
The Dust Bowl mainly affected areas in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. This region was significant because it was a major farming area, and its collapse disrupted the national food supply and economy.
How can students use the 5 Ws to analyze the Dust Bowl's role in the Depression?
Students can use the 5 Ws—Who, What, When, Where, and Why—to break down the Dust Bowl's causes and effects, helping them understand how environmental disasters can impact society and the economy.
What are some ways to connect the Dust Bowl to modern economic or environmental crises?
By researching and comparing the 5 Ws of the Dust Bowl and current market failures, students can identify patterns and draw lessons on how disasters affect economies and communities today.
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