Activity Overview
Teachers can expose students to posters advertising for labor on the construction of the railroad as well as the advertisements after construction that promoted the new line and travel from coast to coast. Students can learn how many people sought opportunity working on the railroads and towns and businesses sprung up along its construction. They can also see how the completion of the railroad allowed people to travel much faster for business or pleasure. Looking at primary sources gives students a deeper understanding of the time period. They can pay special attention to the graphics and fonts utilized as well as the language used to entice potential workers or travelers.
In this activity, students will create an advertisement for the Transcontinental Railroad. They should include a headline, tagline (catchy slogan) and description of the services. They should also include a background scene or pattern as well as any other appropriate items, characters, maps, symbols, or scenes to illustrate their advertisement.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a poster advertising the transcontinental railroad.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Using the poster template, write a compelling headline, tagline and short description to describe the amazing features and possibilities the new railroad provides.
- Include scenes, items, symbols, maps, and/or characters to enhance your advertisement.
Requirements: Headline, tagline, short description and images.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illustrations | The illustrations use appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the assignment. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Teachers can expose students to posters advertising for labor on the construction of the railroad as well as the advertisements after construction that promoted the new line and travel from coast to coast. Students can learn how many people sought opportunity working on the railroads and towns and businesses sprung up along its construction. They can also see how the completion of the railroad allowed people to travel much faster for business or pleasure. Looking at primary sources gives students a deeper understanding of the time period. They can pay special attention to the graphics and fonts utilized as well as the language used to entice potential workers or travelers.
In this activity, students will create an advertisement for the Transcontinental Railroad. They should include a headline, tagline (catchy slogan) and description of the services. They should also include a background scene or pattern as well as any other appropriate items, characters, maps, symbols, or scenes to illustrate their advertisement.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a poster advertising the transcontinental railroad.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Using the poster template, write a compelling headline, tagline and short description to describe the amazing features and possibilities the new railroad provides.
- Include scenes, items, symbols, maps, and/or characters to enhance your advertisement.
Requirements: Headline, tagline, short description and images.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illustrations | The illustrations use appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the assignment. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Transcontinental Railroad: Create an Advertisement Activity
Engage Students with a Transcontinental Railroad Timeline Activity
Help students visualize key events and milestones in the building of the Transcontinental Railroad by creating a classroom timeline. This activity builds historical understanding and connects cause and effect.
Gather essential dates and events for the timeline.
Research or provide important moments such as the railroad's groundbreaking, major obstacles, labor contributions, and the Golden Spike ceremony. Having accurate facts ensures students learn the big picture.
Assign or let students choose events to illustrate.
Divide up events so each student (or pair) is responsible for one. This fosters ownership and allows for creativity while keeping everyone engaged.
Guide students to create visuals and captions for each event.
Encourage use of drawings, printed images, or digital graphics along with a short, clear caption for each date. This step enhances comprehension and makes the timeline visually appealing.
Assemble the timeline together and display it in the classroom.
Arrange events chronologically on a wall or bulletin board. Review the timeline as a class to reinforce sequencing and discuss the railroad's impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about Transcontinental Railroad: Create an Advertisement Activity
What is the Transcontinental Railroad advertisement activity for students?
The Transcontinental Railroad advertisement activity is a creative lesson where students design their own poster promoting the historic railroad. They use headlines, slogans, and visuals to highlight its features, learning how advertising shaped public perception and opportunity during that era.
How do I guide students to create a Transcontinental Railroad poster?
To guide students, ask them to study historical ads for inspiration, then craft a headline, tagline, and short description. Encourage adding images, scenes, maps, or symbols that reflect the railroad's impact. Remind them to make the poster eye-catching and historically accurate.
What key elements should be included in a student-made Transcontinental Railroad advertisement?
Essential elements are a compelling headline, a catchy tagline, a brief description of the railroad’s benefits, and visuals like scenes, maps, characters, or symbols that illustrate its significance and appeal.
Why is analyzing historical railroad advertisements valuable for middle school students?
Analyzing historical advertisements helps students understand how people were encouraged to work on or ride the railroad, see the language and imagery of the era, and gain insight into economic and social changes brought by the railroad.
What are some creative ideas for making a Transcontinental Railroad poster stand out?
Make your poster stand out by using bold fonts, colorful backgrounds, period-accurate illustrations, and appealing slogans. Add maps showing the railroad’s route, symbols of progress, and scenes of workers or travelers to capture attention and tell a story.
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