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Interpreting the Evidence

House of Sun-Dried Brick, near Escuinapa, Mexico, 1904

  • Documents in this Activity:
  • Historical Eras:

    Turn of the Century and WWI (1890 - 1930)

  • Thinking Skill:

    Historical Analysis & Interpretation

  • Grade Level:

    Lower Elementary
    Upper Elementary
    Middle School
    High School
    College University

  • Topics:

    Global History and Geography

  • Primary Source Types:

    Photograph

  • Regions:

    Global

  • Creator:

    NYS Archives Partnership Trust Education Team

  1. Load House of Sun-Dried Brick, near Escuinapa, Mexico, 1904 in Main Image Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Document Description
A group of men, women, and children standing beside a house constructed of sun-dried brick and a thatched roof near Escuinapa, Mexico, 1904.
 
Historical Context
Mexico is often thought of as a hot, dry country.  While it is true that much of Mexico lacks enough precipitation during at least part of the year, the climate in Mexico ranges from the extreme temperatures of the northern deserts to the tropical rainforest in the south.  Mexico also has a diverse landscape.  While much of the population lives in the large central plateau, the country also has high mountains, volcanoes, and spectacular beaches, as well as desert and tropical rainforest.
 
Essential Question
How does geography influence culture and economy?
 
Check for Understanding
Describe the scene in the photograph and explain the role geography in the development of culture and economy.
Historical Challenges
What is another name for the type of building material in the photograph? How did this method of building evolve, and in what areas of the world is it found? Why is this type of home appropriate for the areas in the world where it is found?
 
Interdisciplinary Connections
Math: Estimate the number of bricks used in the house in the photograph if about half of the house appears in the photograph.
Science: What type of vegetation are the people standing next to in the photograph? In what types of climate is this vegetation usually found? How is it suited to that climate?