Comparing the Past and the Present

Going to Pioneer Farms on Wednesday gave the Sharks an opportunity to experience life from over 100 years ago while interacting with tools, toys, food and animals of the era.  We were cold and wet, and worked in many dark buildings, since there was no electricity and running water back then.  Back in the classroom, I had the class work in small groups as they reflected on their experiences of our field trip, and compared them to their daily experiences of today.  I was very impressed with their responses.  Below is one group's chart and how they worked together.  I used a T-Chart to write down the different characteristics of each era.  The students then found similarities and differences from those characteristics.