Lesson Plan

Title: Trains - Transportation for Today and Tomorrow

Level: Grades 8-12

Length : 40-50 minutes. Can be divided into 4 segments.

Materials: Teachers can have students use the computer directly or make transparencies for class discussion. A map of the U.S. would be useful.

Introduction: Ask students what they know about the railroad from the news and movies. Do they know anyone who works for the railroad? How many are interested in working for a railroad in the future?

Procedure: Questions at the end of this section lend themselves for class discussion and assignments. In fact, some can be used to write reports that are more in-depth than the information provided here. Have students report on railroad activity in the locality. Keep a list of names on locomotives and rail cars.

Convenient Helpers : There are numerous videos available from dealers who advertise in railroad magazines or the local video store. The following show trains in historical perspective which can broaden discussion to sociological and sometimes political issues. Without Reservations stars John Wayne and shows soldiers traveling right after World War II. Union Pacific tells the story-very entertaining-of the building of the transcontinental. Emperor of the North describes hobo life during the Great Depression of the 1930s. There are also VHS tapes on how to run a steam and a diesel locomotive.

Students would enjoy playing the Empire Builder game. It is a fun way to learn both history and geography. All Aboard! Railroad Trivia is a game that all can play to learn railroad items. More specifically for railroad operations is Express-the Railroad Card Game . The Empire Builder

Closure: Ask students how many are interested in a railroad career. Ask about the "do's" and "don'ts" of railroad safety.

Assessment: How well do students answer the following set of questions? Has the program stimulated interest in railroads? Are any interested in a railroad career?

Resources : The best resource and a "must" for school libraries is Trains Across the Continent by Rudolph Daniels. Another source is The Field Guide To Trains by Gerald Foster. The Field Guide is available from Smith-Thompson.

John Armstrong's The Railroad: What It Is, What It Does describes railroad operations. It is very technical and beyond high school-level readability. It may be useful for instructors or library for specific issues.