- Define and identify local economic, social and environmental changes.
- Assess and rank the impact of economic, social and environmental changes of the Klondike Gold Rush.
- Use primary and secondary sources to draw conclusions about historical events.
Assignment: Read and analyze primary and secondary sources to evaluate the impact of changes during the Klondike Gold Rush. Present your conclusions orally or in written format.
Time Frame: 7 classes (approximately 2 1/2 weeks)
Partners: You may choose to work individually or in a group of 2 or 3 for the duration of this assignment.
Step 1: Explore various kinds of changes (1 class)
As a class, we will reflect on and discuss economic, social and environmental changes in our community.
Step 2: Learn about the Gold Rush (1 class)
As a class, we will read and discuss:
- A History of Gold Rushes, a general overview of the events and effects of gold rushes;
- Aftermath, a general overview of the effects of the Klondike Gold Rush.
As an individual (3 documents) or a small group of 3 (all 5 documents), read the following documents and complete the Comparing Conditions Handout. Be prepared to share your findings with the class.
- Historical Notes on the Yukon District;
- After the Gold Rush;
- Klondike Discoverer Dies in Poverty;
- Returning Adventurers;
- Yukon Indians and the Gold Rush.
Step 4: Identify criteria for assessing impact (1 class)
Change is only as big as the impact it has. There are 3 ways to assess impact: breadth, depth and duration. As a class we will assess the impact of changes in our community (referencing our first conversation regarding changes in our community).
Step 5: Rank order the degree of impact (1 class)
As individuals or small groups, use the Ranking the Impact Handout to assess the impact of the changes you have already identified. Which type of change was the most significant?
Use your completed Comparing Conditions handout and the three criteria for determining the significance of an impact.
Step 6: Class Debate or Independent Write Up (1 class)
As a class we will vote to either have a full class discussion/debate or write independent summaries on which type of change had the greatest impact during the Klondike Gold Rush.
What will be assessed during this project?
Class Debate or Independent Write Up
The following rubrics will be used to assess the above assignments:
*Project adapted from Mystery Quest: Great Unsolved Mysteries in Canadian History