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Engaging lessons, activities, and resources for the Social Studies classroom!

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Engaging lessons, activities, and resources for the Social Studies classroom!
Poll Tax, Literacy Tests, Grandfather Clause, Reconstruction
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Poll Tax, Literacy Tests, Grandfather Clause, Reconstruction

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Why were poll taxes, literacy tests, grandfather clauses, Jim Crow laws, and other voter suppression tactics employed during the Reconstruction era in the United States? This lesson and activity examines the tactics used to deter newly able people to vote. Students will analyze primary source documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - “The Georgetown Elections,” illustration by Thomas Nash political cartoon and scaffolding questions Voter Suppression tactics during Reconstruction reading passage with scaffolding questions Analyzing primary source documents and corresponding scaffolding questions JH Hayden and Angus Hamilton letter to President Taft addressing disenfranchisement Robert S. Anderson’s poll tax receipt, 1940 Literacy Test example 1965 Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why did voter suppression tactics during Reconstruction have a significant impact on the democratic participation of certain groups, particularly African American citizens? Answer key for teachers ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2023 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Poll Tax, Literacy Tests, Grandfather Clause, Reconstruction Station Activity
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Poll Tax, Literacy Tests, Grandfather Clause, Reconstruction Station Activity

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How did poll taxes, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses function as tools during the Reconstruction era to restrict voting rights and disproportionately impact certain groups within the population? This activity closely examines the tactics used to deter newly able people to vote. Students will analyze documents and scenarios and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Voter Suppression Tactics graphic organizer refresher Voter Suppression Tactics Station Activity or Document Pass with corresponding scaffolding questions Station #1 - Voter Registration Office Station #2 - Poll Tax Payment Station #3 - Literacy Test Station #4 - Intimidation Tactics Station #5 - Gerrymandering/Unfair Voting Districts Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why did the implementation of various voter suppression tactics during Reconstruction disproportionately affect African Americans, and how did these tactics contribute to the broader issues of systematic racism in the United States? Answer key for teachers ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2023 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Election of 1876, Compromise of 1877
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Election of 1876, Compromise of 1877

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Why did the Election of 1876 lead to the Compromise of 1877, and how did this compromise impact the political and social landscape in the United States during the post-Civil War era? This lesson and activity examines the outcome of the election of 1876 and the terms of the agreement and compromise in 1877. Students will analyze primary source documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Election of 1876 electoral map and scaffolding questions “Election Riddles: The Mystery of 1876” poem with critical thinking question Remembering the Amnesty Act of 1872 primary source document with vocabulary Understanding the Amnesty Act of 1872 reading passage with scaffolding questions The Election of 1876 and Compromise of 1877 reading passage with scaffolding questions Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana during the Election of 1876 inference graphic organizer and corresponding questions The End of Reconstruction reading passage with graphic organizer questions Rutherford B. Hayes’ on the Compromise of 1877 perspective and questions Samuel J. Tilden on the Compromise of 1877 perspective and questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why did the Amnesty Act of 1872 have a notable impact on elections, and how did it influence the political dynamics and participation in the post-Civil War era? Answer key for teachers ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2023 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Amnesty Act 1872
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Amnesty Act 1872

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This activity examines the provisions of the Amnesty Act of 1872. Students will analyze the primary source document and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. Included in this resource: Remembering the Amnesty Act of 1872 primary source document with vocabulary Understanding the Amnesty Act of 1872 reading passage with scaffolding questions Answer key for teachers ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2023 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Plessy v. Ferguson
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Plessy v. Ferguson

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How did the Plessy v. Ferguson decision shape the course of racial segregation laws in the United States? This lesson and activity examines the circumstances surrounding the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court case decision and its impact. Students will analyze documents and perspectives and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final application question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Timeline leading up the Plessy v. Ferguson decision and corresponding scaffolding questions Plessy v. Ferguson 1896 reading passage with corresponding scaffolding questions Spotlight on: Homer Plessy document with scaffolding questions graphic organizer Justice Brown on Plessy v. Ferguson majority opinion perspective and questions Justice Harlan on Plessy v. Ferguson dissenting opinion perspective and questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why was the Plessy v. Ferguson decision significant in shaping social and legal attitudes towards segregation and civil rights in the United States? Answer key for teachers ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2023 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
End of Reconstruction
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End of Reconstruction

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This activity examines the end of the Reconstruction era. Students will analyze the reading passage document and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. Included in this resource: The End of Reconstruction reading passage with scaffolding questions Withdrawal of Federal Troops Election Resolution Impact on African Americans Resurgence of Southern Control Answer key for teachers ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Ulysses S. Grant, Reconstruction
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Ulysses S. Grant, Reconstruction

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How did Ulysses S. Grant’s policies and actions during his presidency influence the course and outcomes of the Reconstruction era, particularly in terms of civil rights and national reunification? This lesson and activity examines President Grant’s policies during his presidency and the Reconstruction era. Students will analyze primary source documents including Grant’s first inaugural address and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - President Grant’s first inaugural address primary source document with scaffolding questions Ulysses S. Grant and the Reconstruction Era reading passage with scaffolding questions graphic organizer Ulysses S. Grant on Reconstruction perspective/point of view and questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why was Ulysses S. Grant’s approach to the Reconstruction era significant in shaping the post-Civil War United States, and how did his strategies and policies contribute to the goals of national unity and civil rights advancement? Answer key for teachers ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2023 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Failure of Reconstruction
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Failure of Reconstruction

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Why did Congress’ Reconstruction efforts to ensure equal rights to formerly enslaved people fail? This lesson and activity examines the reasons why Reconstruction failed in the effort to ensure equal rights to newly freed peoples. Students will analyze primary source documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Creative writing: write as if you’re a newspaper reporter! Reconstruction historical context reading passage with scaffolding questions Failure of Reconstruction Document Pass/Station Activity: students analyze primary source documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions (documents can be used as stations and groups can travel station to station OR documents can be passed group to group) Document #1: Views Against Voting Rights Document #2: Emergence of the Ku Klux Klan Document #3: Restoration of Rights to Former Confederates in 1872 Document #4: Call for Formation of White Leagues in the South Document #5: 1874 Congressional Election - Democratic Victory and Republican Defeat Document #6: Economic Challenges and African American Voting Rights Document #7: Life After Emancipation Document #8: Election of 1876 Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why did Congress’ Reconstruction efforts to ensure equal rights to formerly enslaved peoples fail? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Social, Political, Economic Effects of Reconstruction
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Social, Political, Economic Effects of Reconstruction

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Why are the political, social, and economic changes during Reconstruction important for understanding how the United States developed after the Civil War, especially in terms of civil rights and equality? This lesson and activity examines the social, political, and economics effects of the Reconstruction era. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions in graphic organizer form. They will apply their knowledge of social, political, or economic effects in a law or organization activity as well as answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Inferring and dividing the social, political, and economic effects into correct categories Economic Changes during Reconstruction document with scaffolding questions graphic organizer Political Changes during Reconstruction document with scaffolding questions graphic organizer Social Changes during Reconstruction document with scaffolding questions graphic organizer Effects of Reconstruction Activity Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why is it important to evaluate the social, political, and economic effects of Reconstruction when discussing modern-day efforts to achieve racial equality and social justice in the United States? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Social, Political, Economic Effects of Reconstruction Activity
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Social, Political, Economic Effects of Reconstruction Activity

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This activity examines the social, political, and economics effects of the Reconstruction era. Students will apply their knowledge of social, political, or economic effects in a law or organization activity. Included in this resource: Effects of Reconstruction Activity Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ★ Looking for the full lesson that also includes this activity? Find it here! SPE Effects Reconstruction ASSL ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Reconstruction Rap Up Activity
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Reconstruction Rap Up Activity

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This activity evaluates students’ application of their knowledge from the Reconstruction era unit. They will wrap up the Reconstruction unit by creating rap songs using Reconstruction vocabulary and terms in this engaging and fun activity! Included in this resource: Reconstruction ‘Rap’ Up Directions Reconstruction vocabulary and terms (teacher and/or student can also insert more vocabulary) Sample student created rap song ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! Up to teacher’s discretion regarding grading ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Reconstruction Quiz
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Reconstruction Quiz

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This assessment evaluates students’ knowledge from the Reconstruction era unit. Can be used as a review sheet or quick quiz/assessment. Included in this resource: Multiple Choice questions Short Response question Answer key for teachers ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! Up to teacher’s discretion regarding grading ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Reconstruction Test
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Reconstruction Test

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This assessment evaluates students’ knowledge from the Reconstruction era unit. Can be used as a review packet or a formal assessment. Included in this resource: Multiple Choice questions Vocabulary matching Short Response question Answer key for teachers ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! Up to teacher’s discretion regarding grading ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Reconstruction Test
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Reconstruction Test

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This assessment evaluates students’ knowledge from the Reconstruction era unit. Can be used as a review packet or a formal assessment. Included in this resource: Multiple Choice questions Thematic Essay question Answer key for teachers ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! Up to teacher’s discretion regarding grading ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Reconstruction Review
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Reconstruction Review

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This review evaluates students’ knowledge from the Reconstruction era unit to prep for A Social Studies Life’s Reconstruction era unit test. Included in this resource: Graphic organizer organization Short answer review questions Answer key for teachers ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this review can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Settlers Move West, Frontier, Comstock Lode, Boomtowns
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Settlers Move West, Frontier, Comstock Lode, Boomtowns

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Why did settlers face both excitement and trepidation as they embarked on their journey to the western frontier? This lesson and activity examines the reasons why settlers moved west and the causes and effects of westward expansion. Students will analyze reading passages and a settler’s point of view to answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - California: The Cornucopia of the World primary source poster Settlers Move West reading passage with scaffolding questions Frontier, Comstock Lode, Boomtowns, Causes and Effects of Westward Expansion A Settler’s Journey West POV with scaffolding questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the establishment of boomtowns during the westward expansion of the 1870s affect the economic and social development of the western frontier? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Cowboys, Cattle Kingdom, Cattle Drive
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Cowboys, Cattle Kingdom, Cattle Drive

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Why did the cattle kingdom become such a significant part of American history, and how did it influence the development of the West? This lesson and activity examines the lives of cowboys of the open range and the challenges they faced. Students will analyze reading passages and a cowboy’s point of view to answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Settlers’ journey primary source photograph with analysis questions Cattle Kingdom reading passage with scaffolding questions Cattle Kingdom, Cowboys, Cattle Drive, Chisholm Trail, Diversity The End of the Open Range reading passage with scaffolding questions Life of a Cowboy POV with scaffolding questions Cattle Drive Adventure Activity Cowboy Role Cards Weather/Event cards Cattle tokens Cattle Drive Adventure activity sheet and discussion questions Cattle Drive Adventure map Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the cattle kingdom, cattle drives, the Chisholm Trail, and the diversity of cowboys change the economy, culture, and community of the American West in the 1800s? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Cattle Drive, Cowboys Activity
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Cattle Drive, Cowboys Activity

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Why did the cattle kingdom become such a significant part of American history, and how did it influence the development of the West? This activity examines the lives of cowboys of the open range and the challenges they faced. Students will simulate an activity from a cowboy’s point of view in this fun and engaging game! They will answer the discussion questions at the end. Included in this resource: Cattle Drive Adventure Activity Cowboy Role Cards Weather/Event cards Cattle tokens Cattle Drive Adventure activity sheet and discussion questions Cattle Drive Adventure map Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★ Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Transcontinental Railroad, Pony Express, Golden Spike
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Transcontinental Railroad, Pony Express, Golden Spike

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Why was the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad and the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory Summit significant for the future of the Pony Express and communication across the United States? This lesson and activity examines the way the need to send goods, information, and people between the East and the West increased. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - The Far West: Shooting Buffalo on the line of the Kansas-Pacific Railroad primary source analysis and questions Transcontinental Railroad Document Activity Document #1: Pony Express Document #2: Transcontinental Railroad Document #3: Golden Spike Document #4: Leland Stanford Document #5: Routes West, 1870 Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the Pony Express, the establishment of the Transcontinental Railroad, and the driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory Summit collectively impact the development and communication across the United States in the late 19th century? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★ This lesson can be used as a document pass activity or a document “walk” around your classroom. ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.
Transcontinental Railroad Effects
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Transcontinental Railroad Effects

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How did the railroad affect the development of the West? This lesson and activity examines economic, political, social, and environmental effects of the transcontinental railroad. Students will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. They will answer the final summary question to apply their knowledge. Included in this resource: Do Now - Primary Source photograph analysis and questions Results of the Railroad Graphic Organizer Reading Economic Impact Social and Cultural Impact Environmental Impact Political and Military Impact Technological and Infrastructure Development Effects of the Transcontinental Railroad graphic organizer scaffolding questions Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad alter the economic, environmental, and cultural landscapes of the United States? Answer key for teachers (suggested) ★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you! ©2024 A Social Studies Life For personal use only. Duplication for an entire school, an entire school system, or for commercial purposes is strictly forbidden. Please have other teachers purchase their own copy. If you are a school or district interested in purchasing several licenses, please contact me for a district-wide quote.