Take your students on a virtual field trip to learn about the Gilded Age. Using a combination of informational text, Google Earth exploration, videos, and visuals, your students will learn about this era from multiple perspectives. This activity is versatile. It's great for early finishers, sub plans, an extension activity, partners, or conducted as a whole-group learning activity.

This virtual field trip covers:

:: What was the Gilded Age?

:: Changes in society (industrialism)

:: Immigration

:: The Wealth Gap

:: The Spine (Fifth Avenue)

:: Vanderbilt House

:: Waldorf-Astoria Hotel

:: Orchard Street

:: Tenement Museum

:: Natalie Gempterz

:: Factories & Sweatshops

:: Robber Barons

:: The Marble House

:: Breakers Mansion

:: Coe Hall Mansion

:: Life in the South During this Period

:: Farmers Movement (Grange)

:: Mary Elizabeth Lease

:: Labor Unions

:: Environmental Impacts (National Parks)

:: End of an Era

This Virtual Field Trip Includes:

:: Informational Text (build background knowledge)

:: Response Questions (EDITABLE)

:: Video Links with Ads Removed

:: Google Earth 360-degree exploration

:: Grading Rubric

:: Everything is set up in Google Slides & ready to go!

How it Works:

This virtual field trip can be conducted teacher-led or shared with students through Google Classroom as an independent assignment. Everything is set up for you. This resource is LOW PREP and would even make great sub plans. Student directions are found within the lesson, and direct links are included to specific videos (all ads removed for you!). All work is completed digitally. No printing is necessary.

Structure:

This virtual field trip is structured. This means that the informational text and links are meaningful and are meant to lead students to think critically as they respond to the questions throughout the virtual field trip. This is also a great way to keep students accountable as they learn and explore. All response questions are EDITABLE, so you can tailor them to your class needs. Students complete this activity in edit mode of Google Slides.

Standards Alignment:

:: Common Core Standards for Reading Informational Text

:: Washington Social Studies Standards

:: Can crosswalk to many different standards

Grading Rubric:

A grading rubric is included which assesses: accuracy, thoroughness, validity, and writing conventions. Answers will vary throughout, as students are recording their observations and findings.

Technology:

Please note that video clips are included within the activity. I have replaced the YouTube links so that they will automatically start in full screen with zero ads! This should solve issues if you don't have access to YouTube.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out prior to purchasing. Looking for another virtual field trip that you don’t see? Let me know! I can be reached directly by email at: michellemcdonald9515@gmail.com

Thank you!

Michelle McDonald, B.A.E.

Social Studies Education, K-12

Elementary Education K-8

The Gilded Age Virtual Field Trip (Google Earth Exploration)

$5.25