Wareham, Mass. High School uses Slater Mills as a powerful teaching tool
Wareham High School uses Slater Mills as a powerful teaching tool
WAREHAM —
While teaching her students about the First Industrial Revolution, Ms. Healey commented on how interesting the Lowell and Slater Mills tours were. When a student suggested a field trip to one of them, she brought the idea to the school administration. Agreeing, the administration used a local grant to allow for three U.S. I History classes to visit Slater Mills on Tuesday, February 28. The other teachers involved were Mr. St. Julien and Ms. Dineen.
Slater Mills was chosen because of its significance in history. Samuel Slater immigrated to the United States with the new industrial knowledge. By 1792, he built the first successful US cotton spinning mill. Today this mill is located in Pawtucket Rhode Island. Students got hands-on experience the birthplace of American Industrial Revolution as well as the condition of many workers during the 1800s.
Forty three students attended this trip and all had positive encounter with this National Historical Landmark. They broke into three groups with three enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guides. Sophomore Raekwon Phillips will always remember “Mistress Patty” in her historical attire.
<snip>
Many students were amazed about child labor conditions. Kendra Wright cannot believe how much things have changed. Children as young as 6 years old were encourage to work because of their size and low wages. They were expendable and were required to do dangerous tasks. Shanice Dixon was surprised that there was a 10 year old foreman. She described it as “Horrible. I am so glad that children do not have to work.”
More:
http://www.wickedlocal.com/wareham/newsnow/x186776591/Wareham-High-School-uses-Slater-Mills-as-a-powerful-teaching-tool
See also:
Another Wise Republican Suggests a Return to Child Labor
In Monday's Republican Presidential debate, Newt Gingrich doubled down on his fabulous idea that the best way to wean families off of government assistance is to let poor kids work as janitors. At a recent town hall meeting, a Republican Senator suggested that letting kids handle pesticides and operate farm equipment just might be the key to solving the country's obesity epidemic. What's with this mini-trend of Republican politicians publicly pushing for kids to get jobs?
More:
http://jezebel.com/5877025/another-wise-republican-suggests-a-return-to-child-labor
GOP Senator: We Need ‘Child Labor’ To Fight Obesity Epidemic
thinkprogress.org/health/2012/01/17/405438/gop-senator-says-child-labor-needed-to-fight-obesity-how-can-kids-be-active-if-they-are-limited-by-the-law/
GOP Debate Audience Cheers Child Labor
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/david/gop-debate-audience-cheers-child-labor