Working in 1920s America

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

• Would you work in a factory?

• What if the factory offered no physical protection, no vacation time, and only paid 10¢ per hour?

The world of work has changed a lot in the past century. Many jobs people used to do are no longer necessary, and changes in society have likewise created new kinds of work that no one ever imagined before.

This graph, How Work in America Has Changed, from the Demographics Research Group at University of Virginia, shows just how much things have changed.

1. Examine the graph closely. Look at the title, the dates, and the work types.
2. In a 6 - 8 sentence paragraph, describe the information and ideas contained in the graph.
3. Answer these questions, adding your thoughts to your paragraph:

• How has work changed in America over the past century?
• Why do you think these changes have taken place?
• Do you think these changes are good or not? Why?

Discuss your observations with your parents, teachers, or other trusted adults. Kick off the conversation with a simple question:

• "How has work changed in your lifetime?"

You may be amazed at their responses!

To get a better idea how work has changed, continue on to the Got It? section to compare work in the early 20^th century with work now.