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Interpreting the Evidence

School Playground, Schenectady, c. 1900

  • 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:

    Community
    Education
    Environment

  • Primary Source Types:

    Photograph

  • Regions:

    Capital District
    New York State

  • Creator:

    NYS Archives Partnership Trust Education Team

  1. Load School Playground, Schenectady, c. 1900 in Main Image Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Document Description
Children playing at the school playground in Schenectady, New York, circa 1900.
Essential Question
How does the existence of leisure time influence culture and economy?
 
Check for Understanding
Describe the scene in the photograph and explain how leisure time changed the American culture and economy.
Historical Challenges
Research the creation of playgrounds. Where did the concept start, and why?
 
Interdisciplinary Connections
English Language Arts: Write a letter to the Board of Education requesting a new playground.
Physical Education: Design a new playground for your school.