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Actin' Out the Old Days

Recommended Grade Level(s)

  • 3-5
  • 6-8

Primary Subject Area(s)

  • History
  • Geography
  • Science

Related Artifacts

Activity Description

Review the graphic about cooking during the boomtown years. Have students hypothesize how long it will take to warm the hot chocolate over the candle. Then have students warm hot chocolate using a bucket and candle while inquiring:

  1. What safety measures did Southern Nevada residents need to take while warming their drinks?
  2. Have students compare the time it would take to make hot chocolate in the early 20th century with today and compare the different types of heating elements used (e.g., campfire, candle, electric or gas stove, microwave). Next, ask students:
  3. What are some of the environmental effects of using these different technologies for cooking meals?

Standards Addressed

  1. History
    1. Grade 4 Standards
      1. H2.4.2: Describe the experiences of pioneers moving west.
      2. H2.4.4: Identify the diverse population of Nevada's early settlers and discuss their unique experiences.
      3. H3.4.1: Compare and/or contrast their daily lives with children in Nevada's past.
      4. H3.4.4: Explain how advances in technologies have impacted Nevada, i.e., railroads, mining, and gaming.
  2. Geography
    1. Grades 6-8 Standards
      1. G8.[6-8].8: Evaluate different viewpoints regarding a resource.
      2. :
  3. Science
    1. Grades 3-5 Standards
      1. N.5.B.1: Students know that, throughout history, people of diverse cultures have provided scientific knowledge and technologies.
      2. N.5.B.2: Students know technologies impact society, both positively and negatively.
      3. L.5.C.3: Students know changes to an environment can be beneficial or detrimental to different organisms.
    2. Grades 6-8 Standards
      1. N.8.B.1: Students understand that consequences of technologies can cause resource depletion and environmental degradation, but technology can also increase resource availability, mitigate environmental degradation, and make new resources economical.
 

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