The Progressive Era: Shaping Modern America
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How did the Progressive movement, driven by individual actions and diverse experiences, reshape the relationship between the government and the people in response to industrialization's challenges, and to what extent did these reforms achieve their intended goals for all groups?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How did Progressives address the economic and social problems created by industrialization?
- What role did individuals play in shaping the Progressive Era?
- In what ways did Progressivism change the relationship between the government and the people?
- To what extent did Progressive reforms achieve their goals?
- How did different groups of people experience the Progressive Era?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to analyze the political programs and activities of the Progressives.
- Students will be able to evaluate the impact of Progressive reforms on different groups of people.
- Students will be able to explain how the Progressive movement reshaped the relationship between the government and the people.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Case of the Unfinished Agenda
A fictional scenario is presented where the students are historians tasked with completing an unfinished Progressive agenda. Examining primary source documents and analyzing the context of the time, students will debate and prioritize which reforms are most critical to implement in today's society and what challenges might arise.Progressive Era Time Machine
Students receive a 'coded' message (historical document/artifact) from the future warning about the potential consequences of failed Progressive reforms. They must decode the message and identify which reforms are essential to protect for a better future, sparking debate and investigation into the era's successes and failures.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Progressive Profile: Theodore Roosevelt
Students will research and create a profile of Theodore Roosevelt, focusing on his contributions to the Progressive movement. This activity aims to help students understand the role of key individuals in shaping the era.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive profile of Theodore Roosevelt, including a written report and presentation slides, detailing his role in the Progressive movement.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to analyze the political programs and activities of the Progressives. It also touches on the role of individuals in shaping the Progressive Era.Progressive Policy Debate: Railroad Regulation
Students will participate in a debate centered on the federal regulation of railroad transport during the Progressive Era. This activity encourages critical thinking about the impact and effectiveness of specific Progressive policies.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-researched debate brief and active participation in a class debate, demonstrating an understanding of the complexities surrounding railroad regulation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to analyze the political programs and activities of the Progressives and evaluate the impact of Progressive reforms on different groups of people.Children's Bureau Investigation: Then and Now
Students will investigate the establishment and work of the Children's Bureau during the Progressive Era and compare its functions to contemporary child welfare agencies. This activity highlights the lasting impact of Progressive reforms on social welfare.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative report and presentation, detailing the historical context of the Children's Bureau and its relevance to contemporary child welfare practices.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to evaluate the impact of Progressive reforms on different groups of people and explain how the Progressive movement reshaped the relationship between the government and the people.The Sixteenth Amendment: Income Tax Simulation
Students will explore the Sixteenth Amendment (federal income tax) through a simulation activity. This will deepen their understanding of how the Progressive movement influenced fiscal policy and the relationship between citizens and the government.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA completed income tax simulation worksheet, a reflective essay discussing the impact of the Sixteenth Amendment, and participation in a class discussion.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to explain how the Progressive movement reshaped the relationship between the government and the people and analyze the political programs and activities of the Progressives.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioProgressive Era Portfolio Rubric
Research & Analysis
Demonstrates the ability to conduct thorough research and analyze information effectively.Source Evaluation
Assesses the ability to identify, evaluate, and utilize credible sources.
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently uses a wide range of credible primary and secondary sources, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of source bias and reliability.
Proficient
3 PointsUses credible primary and secondary sources to support claims, demonstrating a good understanding of source bias and reliability.
Developing
2 PointsUses some credible sources, but may struggle to evaluate source bias and reliability effectively.
Beginning
1 PointsRelies on limited or questionable sources, demonstrating little understanding of source bias and reliability.
Historical Accuracy
Assesses the accuracy and depth of historical information presented.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents a consistently accurate and detailed account of historical events, demonstrating a deep understanding of the Progressive Era.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents an accurate and detailed account of historical events, demonstrating a solid understanding of the Progressive Era.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a generally accurate account of historical events, but may contain some minor inaccuracies or omissions.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents an inaccurate or incomplete account of historical events, demonstrating a limited understanding of the Progressive Era.
Critical Thinking & Analysis
Demonstrates the ability to think critically about the Progressive Era, analyze its complexities, and draw informed conclusions.Contextual Understanding
Assesses the ability to understand and analyze the historical context surrounding the Progressive Era.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the social, economic, and political context of the Progressive Era, connecting it to contemporary issues with insightful analysis.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of the social, economic, and political context of the Progressive Era, making clear connections to contemporary issues.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates a basic understanding of the social, economic, and political context of the Progressive Era, but struggles to connect it to contemporary issues.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a limited understanding of the social, economic, and political context of the Progressive Era, with little to no connection to contemporary issues.
Analysis & Interpretation
Assesses the ability to analyze and interpret historical events, policies, and figures of the Progressive Era.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides insightful and nuanced analysis of historical events, policies, and figures, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of their complexities and long-term implications.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear and well-supported analysis of historical events, policies, and figures, demonstrating a thorough understanding of their complexities and long-term implications.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic analysis of historical events, policies, and figures, but may lack depth or nuance in their interpretations.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides superficial or inaccurate analysis of historical events, policies, and figures, demonstrating a limited understanding of their complexities and long-term implications.
Communication & Presentation
Demonstrates the ability to communicate ideas effectively through written and oral presentations.Clarity & Organization
Assesses the clarity, organization, and coherence of written and oral presentations.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents ideas in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner, using effective communication techniques to engage the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents ideas in a clear and organized manner, using effective communication techniques.
Developing
2 PointsPresents ideas in a generally clear manner, but may lack organization or coherence in some areas.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents ideas in a disorganized or unclear manner, making it difficult for the audience to understand.
Evidence & Support
Assesses the use of evidence and supporting details to support claims and arguments.
Exemplary
4 PointsUses a wide range of evidence and supporting details to effectively support claims and arguments, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the topic.
Proficient
3 PointsUses relevant evidence and supporting details to support claims and arguments, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic.
Developing
2 PointsUses some evidence and supporting details, but may lack relevance or sufficient depth to fully support claims and arguments.
Beginning
1 PointsUses limited or irrelevant evidence and supporting details, failing to adequately support claims and arguments.