The Industrial Revolution A Web Quest for EXT 10

Introduction

Life was difficult for people working in factories during the Industrial Revolution. Long days and

demanding physical labor often lasted from before sunrise, until well after sunset. To make

matters worse, many of the workers were Child Laborers. They often worked sixteen hours a

day or more, just to earn enough money to keep their families from starving. In this Web Quest,

you will discover the answer to the following questions:

• What was daily life like for Child Laborers living during the Industrial Revolution?

• What reforms needed to be made in order to change the situation?

The Task

Break into groups of 4. Analyze a series of Web sites containing information on the jobs

children worked during the Industrial Revolution. Each team member will research one of the

following roles:

• Factory Worker OR Miner OR Seafood & Farm Hand OR Newsboy

When you are finished, you will meet to discuss your roles and then choose which job your

group thinks was the worst for the time period.

The Process

• Step 1: First, divide up the work by giving each person in the group a job.

• Step 2: Each person will research their job answering the questions on the “Research

Sheet” and Taking Notes on a sheet of loose-leaf. Cite all work.

• Step 3: Discuss your findings with your group members and record all answers in the

“Group Sheet”.

• Step 4: Pass in the following

o “Research Sheet” and Notes on Loose-leaf

o “Sketch/Drawing” of job

o “Group Sheet”

o “Final Analysis” (see below)

• Final Analysis: This part is done on your own. Answer the questions and pass in.

When you are finished this package of work make sure:

o The group has completed all of their work and handed in. Four separate packets with

names on each.

Industrial Revolution Web Quest J.Shannon EXT 10

The Research Sheet

Directions: Complete the following sheets in a web quest to determine what the Industrial

Revolution looked like; how it impacted lives and what types of people were involved.

Choose ONE of the four roles listed: Factory Worker, Miner , Seafood/Farm Hand, OR Newsboy

1. CHILD LABORERS

My Role (Job) _______________________________________

What I learned about child laborers who did my job during the Industrial Revolution:

Where did you live?

How did you dress?

What did you do at work?

Some good things about my job:

Some bad things about my job:

List some things that needed to be done in order to change your role’s situation:

Additional Information:

Industrial Revolution Web Quest The Sketch/Drawing

Directions: In the space provided below, attach or draw a picture of your role. Make sure you

label the picture showing the specific traits of your occupation.

Industrial Revolution Web Quest The Group Sheet

Directions: Break into groups making sure there is one person who researched every type of job

listed below in your group. Fill out the questions below after discussing each answer.

Names:

Factory Worker _______________________________________________________

Miner ________________________________________________________________

Seafood / Farm Hand ___________________________________________________

Newsboy _____________________________________________________________

In your group’s opinion, what Industrial Revolution child endured the most hardships?

Why did your group choose this occupation?

Describe some of the dangers of this profession.

Below, each group member should list something they found interesting about each job:

Factory Worker ________________________________________________________

Miner ________________________________________________________________

Seafood / Farm Hand ____________________________________________________

Newsboy ______________________________________________________________

How old were the youngest of the child workers? ________________________

Industrial Revolution Web Quest Final Analysis Sheet

Directions: This part should be done individually and should not match your other group

members' answers. Please note, answers of "I don't know" are unacceptable. You must think

hard and answer all parts of this task for credit. Please answer the following questions:

1. Many parts of the world still use child laborers today. What items in your house may have

been made by children?

2. Why do you think children are still working around the world?

3. Do you think child labor this is right or wrong? Explain.

4. What can you do to help children working as child laborers today?

5. What would be the possible impact of your actions?