Contextualization

The Great Depression, a period of severe economic downturn, was one of the most significant events in American history. It began with the stock market crash of 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s. This economic crisis led to a massive decline in production, a surge in unemployment, and a sense of hopelessness that affected millions of people.

The Great Depression had a profound impact on American society and the world at large. It changed the way people thought about the economy, the role of government, and the nature of capitalism. It also set the stage for significant social and political changes, from the New Deal policies in the United States to the rise of fascist and communist regimes in Europe.

The Great Depression is a vital topic for us to study because it holds lessons that are still relevant today. Understanding the causes and consequences of the Great Depression can help us make sense of economic crises, both past and present. It can also give us insight into the ways that governments and societies can respond to these crises.

The resources below will provide an excellent foundation for your understanding of the Great Depression:

1. The Great Depression: A Curriculum for High School Students. This comprehensive curriculum guide, created by the National Endowment for the Humanities, provides a wealth of information about the Great Depression. Link here

2. The Great Depression: Crash Course US History. This YouTube video by CrashCourse is a fun and engaging overview of the Great Depression. Link here

3. The Great Depression: America in the 1930s. This interactive website by the American Experience series on PBS offers a rich collection of videos, photos, and primary sources about the Great Depression. Link here

4. The Great Depression: An Overview. This article by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis provides a concise overview of the causes and effects of the Great Depression. Link here

Remember, the goal of this project is not just to learn about the Great Depression but to understand its significance and implications for our world today. Enjoy your journey into this fascinating period of history!

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "The Great Depression: A Journey through Time and Space"

Objective of the Project:

To deepen the understanding of the students about the Great Depression through a creative and engaging group project. The project aims to analyze the causes and effects of the Great Depression and examine its relevance in the modern world.

Detailed Description of the Project:

Groups of 3-5 students will create a "time machine" that takes them back to the period of the Great Depression. Through this time machine, they will explore the key events, economic conditions, social issues, and cultural changes that defined this era. Each group will also choose a specific aspect of the Great Depression to investigate in more depth, such as the Dust Bowl, the New Deal, or the role of women and minorities.

Necessary Materials:

• Cardboard boxes (big enough to fit a person)
• Art supplies (paints, markers, etc.)
• Craft materials (scissors, glue, tape, etc.)
• Access to library or internet for research

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

1. Research Phase (1-2 hours): Each group should start by conducting research on the Great Depression, focusing on its causes, key events, and effects. Use the provided resources as a starting point, but also feel free to explore other sources.

2. Time Machine Design (1 hour): Based on their research, each group should design and create a "time machine" using the cardboard boxes and craft materials. The time machine should reflect their understanding of the Great Depression and the specific aspect they are investigating.

3. Time Travel Journey (1-2 hours): Once the time machines are ready, each group should take turns "traveling back in time" and exploring the Great Depression. The group should spend at least 30 minutes in the time machine, using their imagination and knowledge to experience what life was like during this period.

4. Reflection and Discussion (30 minutes): After the time travel journey, each group should have a discussion to reflect on their experience. They should share their observations, thoughts, and emotions about the Great Depression.

5. Presentation Preparation (1-2 hours): Each group should prepare a short presentation (5-10 minutes) about their time travel journey and their chosen aspect of the Great Depression. The presentation should include key facts, insights, and reflections.

6. Presentation (10-15 minutes per group): Each group should present their findings and reflections to the class. This should be a fun and engaging presentation, using the time machine and any other props or visuals they created.

Project Deliverables:

At the end of the project, each group will submit a written report that details their time travel journey and their research findings. The report should be divided into four main sections:

1. Introduction: This section should provide a brief overview of the Great Depression, explain why it is an important topic to study, and describe the objective of the project.

2. Development: This section should detail the specific aspect of the Great Depression the group chose to investigate, the methodology they used (including their time travel journey), and the results of their research.

3. Conclusions: This section should summarize the main points of the project, highlight the group's learnings, and draw conclusions about the Great Depression and its relevance today.

4. Bibliography: This section should list all the sources the group used for their research.

The written report should be a reflection of the group's understanding of the Great Depression and their ability to connect the past to the present. It should be well-organized, clearly written, and supported by evidence from their research and time travel journey. The report should be submitted within one week of completing the practical part of the project.

Remember, the goal is not just to learn about the Great Depression but to understand its significance and implications for our world today. Happy time traveling!

Project Duration:

This project should take approximately 5-7 hours per student to complete, including both the practical and written parts. The practical part of the project can be completed in one day, while the written report should be completed and submitted within one week of completing the practical part.