Technology Through the Ages

 

 

How Guns, Epidemic Diseases and Steel Have Changed History

 

PRINT RESOURCES: NON-FICTION

An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

http://www.amazon.com/American-Plague-Terrifying-Epidemic-Newbery/dp/0395776082/ref=pd_cp_b_2

This Newberry Honor Book vividly details the Yellow Fever epidemic that centered in Philadelphia and spread outward.  The facts of history, the sense of panic and concern, are woven into a gripping story that middle and high  school students will enjoy reading.  A group of freed slaves, believed to be immune to the fever, served as nurses, but were later vilified for their efforts.  

 

Ancient Agriculture: From Foraging to Farming, Michael Woods

http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Agriculture-Foraging-Farming-Technology/dp/0822529955/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272979340&sr=1-23#noop

From the Stone-Age through ancient Greece, Rome and North America, this book explains early food production, a key component of Diamond's argument for cultural dominance.  Color photographs, illustrations and maps help support the information on early agriculture. 

 

At Issue Series: Guns and Crime

http://www.gale.cengage.com/servlet/ItemDetailServlet?region=9&imprint=k12&titleCode=GAIL&cf=p&type=3&id=239861

This series looks at the controversial topic of guns in American society and offers persuasive essays to present a wide-range of opinions.  This might be a good extension activity to bring the concept of how guns impact a society into a debate about American culture.  Essay topics include "A Lack of Gun Control Leads to Gun Crime" and "Gun Control Does Not Reduce Violent Crime".

 

Battles & Weapons: Exploring History Through Art, Caroline Chapman

http://tinyurl.com/246p326

This is a cool book because it uses art from various historical time periods to help illustrate the changes in weaponry over time.  What a great way to incorporate art history into a class! 

  

Before Columbus : the Americas of 1491, Charles C. Mann

http://tinyurl.com/2c6jqsj

Adapted for grades 6 and up, this is a kid-friendly version of a pivotal study about Native American cultures which uprooted conventional understandings about Native American cultures.  This book connects with Diamond's work well as it promotes engineering feats, farming in the desert and medical understandings of Native American societies.  Interestingly, there is a chapter on "Why did Europe Succeed" which would be interesting to compare and contrast with Diamond's work.

  

Book of Peoples of the World: A Guide to Cultures

http://www.amazon.com/Book-Peoples-World-Cultures-Geographic/dp/1426202385/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272546027&sr=1-1

A global tour of over 200 indigenious cultures.

 

Epidemic, Brian Ward

http://tinyurl.com/25xcs9o 

A DK Eyewitness book, this is visual guide of all things related to epidemics including up close pictures of the viruses and germs that cause the diseases.  From causes to carriers, this book will help illustrate the roots of disease and how the medical community attempts to combat it. 

 

Epidemic! Stephanie True Peters  

http://tinyurl.com/2cccgvb    

Five books in a series which focus on explaining the roots and impacts of epidemic diseases in American history.  Each volume outlines the cause of the disease, how it spread, how it impacted history, and the search for cures.  Primary resources are well integrated into the text.  School Library Review notes that "the selection of period reproductions and photographs is also outstanding, and the illustrations extend the texts perfectly."  You might be interested in Epidemic! Smallpox in the New World as it details the impact of smallpox on native populations.  For grades 5-9.

 

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, Jared Diamond

http://www.amazon.com/Guns-Germs-Steel-Fates-Societies/dp/0393061310/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272377455&sr=1-1

Not written for specifically for students, however, teachers may want a copy to excerpt.

 

Gun: A Visual History, DK Publishing

http://www.amazon.com/Gun-Visual-History-DK-Publishing/dp/0756628482/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272645681&sr=8-1

This would be a simpler option that the "At Issues Series"  or the "Science, Technology and Society: The Impact of Technology throughout History".  Shows earliest versions of guns through modern-day and includes biographies of people such as Wyatt Earp, Annie Oakley, and others.

 

Iron and steel : from Thor's hammer to the space shuttle, Ruth G. Kassinger

http://tinyurl.com/23a2m2n 

Reviewed as an "attractive and readable history of the discovery and uses of iron through the development of steel and its place in the modern world."  Although it might be a bit simplistic as it is geared for grades 4-6, it might provide some basic knowledge on the history of steel and its production.

 

Material World: A Global Family Portrait, Peter Menzel

http://www.amazon.com/Book-Peoples-World-Cultures-Geographic/dp/1426202385/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272546027&sr=1-1

Award-winning photojournalist and his staff of photographers travelled around the world, living with an "average" family from various nations.  They then took all of the families possessions outside of the home and took a photo.  What we can learn from these remarkable images of people and the amount and types of their "cargo", as so simply put in the beginning of Jared Diamond's book, will truly inspire your students.  

 

Poverty,Viqi Wagner

http://tinyurl.com/2e9pxl9

The Opposing Viewpoints series provides essays on current issues with multiple opinions voiced.  This volume focuses on the questions surrounding poverty at both the local, federal and global levels.  Diamond raises the question about why human societies have evolved with some more dominant than others.  We remain with the question of what to do with these inequities and this series might help inform that debate in your classroom.  Other topics in this series that mesh with your study includes Food,  Technology and Society.

 

Science: The Definitive Visual Guide, Adam Hart-Davis

http://www.amazon.com/Science-Definitive-Visual-DK-Publishing/dp/0756655706/ref=pd_sim_b_8

If you are going to look at how science and technology have impacted history, this visual guide published by DK Publishing looks like it might help.  This book explores the history of science thematically, with chapters covering time periods from ancient times to modern day.  I like that it has "before" and "after" panels which helps students visualize the impact of the discovery or invention.  There are others in this series on "History" and "War" that you may also find useful.

 

Rethinking Globalization, Bill Bigelow and Bob Peterson

http://www.rethinkingschools.org/ProdDetails.asp?ID=0942961285

One way to approach the central question of why some cultures "have lots of cargo" and others do not, is to look at globalization and it's impact on indigenous cultures.  This book is an invaluable curricular resource and offers thoughtful, interactive and highly engaging lesson ideas for teaching about globalization.  

 

What the World Eats, Faith D'Aluisio & Peter Menzel

http://www.amazon.com/What-World-Eats-Faith-DAluisio/dp/1582462461/ref=pd_sim_b_3     

25 families in 21 countries are photographed with the food that they eat in a typical week.  The book discusses related topics of water quality, life expectancy and literacy.  A fascinating tour that will spark discussion on equity and justice, health and quality of life. 

 

When Plague Strikes: the Black Death, smallpox, AIDS,  James Giblin

http://tinyurl.com/22kxwgo

Written specifically for the 6-12 market, the information in this book meshes well with your topic.  It explores three diseases, causes and historical impacts, especially prejudice against those who contracted the diseases.  The text is readable and lively, however there are few illustrations.  However, sections of the book could be used as background information and help deepend your study. 

 

Outbreak! Plagues That Changed History, Bryn Barnard    

http://www.amazon.com/Outbreak-Plagues-That-Changed-History/dp/0375829865

Written specifically for a grade 5-8 audience, this book explores six of the world's worst epidemic diseases and their impact on history.  Paintings and illustrations help illuminate concepts discussed in the text.  Very strong reviews from Library School Journal among others.  Theres is also a copy in the WCLS collection.

 

Science, Technology and Society: The Impact of Science Throughout History,

http://www.gale.cengage.com/servlet/ItemDetailServlet?region=9&imprint=k12&titleCode=STS19&type=1&id=223266&cf=p

This is a reference series that explores the impact of science on human history from the 200 B.C.E. through the 20th century. Volumes include essays, on theories, inventions and major concepts as well as additional essays on biographies of pioneering scientists.  The full series does not need to be purchased. 

 

The History of Food, Judith Jango-Cohen

http://tinyurl.com/2chnegs

Diamond suggests that food production was one of the major factors in why some societies were able to gain dominance over others.  This book details the history of food, including its production, processing, and preservation, from ancient times to the present.  Illustrations include color photographs, black and white illustrations and an illustrated timeline which runs at the bottom of the page. 

 

The Miracle of Immunity, William L. Donnellan 

http://tinyurl.com/252uhyn

A book on the history of disease from ancient times to modern day.  Information on epidemics includes facts about germs, cells, vaccines, and immune systems.  School Library journal states that this book  "offer clear, readable renderings of complex and fascinating subjects."

 

 

 

PRINT RESOURCES: FICTION

Breath, Donna Jo Napoli

http://tinyurl.com/24x2g5j

Set in late 13th century and based loosely on the tale of the the Robert Browning poem, the "Pied Piper from Hamlin" this story is worth checking out.  An elaborate mystery that reviewers applaud. 

 

Fever 1793, Laurie Halse Anderson

http://www.amazon.com/Fever-1793-Laurie-Halse-Anderson/dp/0689848919/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

 

The Great Death, John Smelcer  

http://tinyurl.com/2fjdwvx

Two sisters from a small village in Alaska inthe early 1900's are the only survivors of a disease that wiped out their family, friends and neighbors.  Seeking help, the girls journey downriver and confront bad weather, lecherous settlers, and wolves.  The prologue explains the impact of smallpox, measles and influenza that killed 2/3 of Alaskan Natives in the early part of the 20th Century.  This story of courage and perseverance might be an interesting literature connection for your students.

  

Smiler's Bones,  Peter Lerangis

http://tinyurl.com/2fj89sv

Based on the true story of Minik, one of six Eskimos taken from their Artic home as "scientific artifacts" by explorer Robert Peary.  Minik shares his impressions on "civilization" and his emotions after his father and 4 of the others from his village who were brought with him, died of tuberculosis. 

 

 

DVD/CD-ROM RESOURCES

Guns, Germs and Steel, DVD

http://tinyurl.com/25rvxxv

Hosted by Jared Diamond, this documentary video might help illustrate some of the important concepts in your study.  You can borrow a copy through WCLS or purchase directly from National Geographic.

     Guns, Germs and Steel, PBS 

     http://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/educators/index.html

     Lesson plans designed for grades 6-12 to accompany the book and PBS video based on the book.

 

Influenza 1918, American Experience, PBS

http://www.amazon.com/American-Experience-Influenza-David-McCullough/dp/B000EOTEM2/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1272462595&sr=8-8

Given our recent scare over H1N1, this film might be an interesting tie-in.  

 

Learning from Ladakh, International Society for Ecology and Culture

http://www.isec.org.uk/pages/av.html

In a remote village in what is known as "Little Tibet" an amazing cultural war is taking place.  Learning from Ladakh explains the lifestyles, cultures, values and society of the Ladakhi people as it once was.  The second half of the film details the introduction of "modern conveniences" and new forms of food production.  The impact of globalization on an indigenous culture can best be seen in this stunning film.  

Learning from Ladakh, Bill Bigelow

http://www.rethinkingschools.org/restrict.asp?path=archive/15_04/Lad154.shtml 

Portland high school teacher Bill Bigelow explains how he integrates using Learning from Ladakh in his classroom.  You will have to join Rethinking Schools in order to see the entirety of his article, however for small fee, the online journal has many thoughtful lesson plans, archived articles and points of discussion regarding teaching and learning in public schools.

 

Malaria: Fever Wars, PBS

http://www.amazon.com/Malaria-Fever-Artist-Not-Provided/dp/B000EOTV48/ref=pd_sim_d_6

A modern-day epidemic so severe and so wide-spread that the Gates Foundation has taken it on as one of the disease it hopes to erradicate.  The film might be too long in its entirety, but portions might help take this topic into a current-day context.

 

The Plague, History Channel

http://www.amazon.com/Plague-History-Channel-Artist-Provided/dp/B000CSTK7O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1272462161&sr=8-3

A 50 minute documentary that includes reenactments of the  horrors of the Black Plague as it swept through 15th century Europe.  From rat-infested shipholds to the actual words from victim's diaries and letters, this video outlines the probable causes of this terrible of disease.

 

 

ONLINE RESOURCES     

Against the Odds, National Library of Medicine

http://apps.nlm.nih.gov/againsttheodds/online_activities/index.cfm

Online activities and resources for teaching about global health.  Includes lesson plans that have portions that might tie in well with your topic such as Science & Society: Preventing the Spread of Disease.

 

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

http://www.gatesfoundation.org/healthscienceandtechnology/Pages/default.aspx

The Gates Foundation is helping to fund many health-related projects worldwide, including malaria, AIDS and tuberculosis.   

 

Common Visions, Common Voices, EdSitement

http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=285

A lesson plan that helps students understand the commonalities in art and literature themes in a variety of cultures from around the globe through directed research on the internet.  This lesson plans links Mayan, Iroquois or Cherokee, western Sudan and Indian cultures.  You may be interested in other lesson plans on this website that span a variety of topics in the humanities. 

 

ToxTown, National Library of Medicine

http://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/

An interactive site that discusses toxic chemicals that exists in our every environment.  Has a teacher curriculum resource section.

 

Premium Digital Resources (must have WCLS card to access)   

U.S. History Resource Center

http://galenet.galegroup.com.ezproxy.wcls.org:2048/servlet/HistRC?locID=wcls_main

This is  fantastic resource for you to access U.S. primary source material on your topics.  For example,  I searched for smallpox and found this interesting Kiowa-Apache tale about "Smallpox" entitled "The Waters Beneath: Underwater Village". 

    

World Book Online

http://www.worldbookonline.com.ezproxy.wcls.org:2048/wbdiscover/home

World Book Online is available for you and your students to use.  Just put in a library card and pin number to access.  Good for basic visuals, maps and other enycolpedic information in an easy to access format.  I searched for  "history of disease".  Here are two World Book reference databases that may related to your study specifically:

Inventions and Discoveries

http://www.worldbookonline.com.ezproxy.wcls.org:2048/digitallibraries/inventions/home

There are whole sections here listed on the home page for this database that may be of interest to your study.  For example, Medicine has lots on the history of disease and visuals to accompany each topic.

  

Early Peoples

http://www.worldbookonline.com.ezproxy.wcls.org:2048/digitallibraries/earlypeoples/home

 I searched for early agriculture, food production and farming but didn't get much of value.  Here is a link to the Indians of the Southwest, which might make an interesting comparison study with  Lummi and other indigenous traditions and history.   

 

 

 

 

GENERAL RESOURCES     

Facing the Future

http://www.facingthefuture.org/FacingtheFutureHomePage/tabid/54/Default.aspx

A curriculum resource for teaching about issues of climate change, sustainability and population growth.  They have some curriculum online that you can download for free.  All of their curriculum is aligned with Washington State standards.