Mass production

Class begins with the teacher briefly explaining the context of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire (mentioned in the section above), dividing students into small groups, and distributing a copy of Source A to each group. Students then carefully analyze each of the headlines written in response to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and identify what factors contributed to the tragedy, recording their responses on the graphic organizer. Next, students craft proposals that could prevent a future tragedy.  

The teacher facilitates sharing the proposals with the class, perhaps by taping proposals up and conducting a gallery walk, trading proposals around the room in a circle, or guiding students to rotate between groups. After considering all of the proposals, students vote for the two they believe are the most effective by placing a sticky note (or marker) on their preferred proposals. Class concludes with a discussion of the decision-making process students used when voting.