From the Europeans who were first attracted to the area to Daniel Burnham’s solutions to overcrowding and transportation problems, this book walks through the history of Chicago. With 15 “Investigations” that explore creeks, prairies, forts, fires, and the world's fair, the book helps children develop interpretive skills through a range of social studies. It answers questions such as How was the first community in Chicago started? What caused Chicago to boom? and What is meant by “a century of progress”?, prompting deeper research into the stories and landmarks kids hear and see in the Windy City. Written in alignment with state-mandated, local-history curriculum requirements for school-age children, the book is ideal for young Chicagoland residents who want to know more about their city.
Foreword v
Preface vii
Introduction: What did it take to make Chicago? x
Investigation 1 Is this a good location to build a community? 1
Investigation 2 How did this little creek and this animal attract Europeans to Chicago? 10
Investigation 3 What can Chicago thank for its beginning? 22
Investigation 4 What is the purpose of a fort? 29
Investigation 5 What happened here? What causes led to it? 38
Investigation 6 What caused Chicago to BOOM? 48
Investigation 7 What happened on March 4, 1837? 61
Investigation 8 Missing: Chicago's Downtown. Where did it go? 68
Investigation 9 What effect did the Great Fire have on the spirit of Chicagoans? 81
Investigation 10 What problems did immigrants face in their new homes? 90
Investigation 11 How was this town supposed to solve immigrant and labor problems? 101
Investigation 12 What event did Chicago celebrate? 113
Investigation 13 How did Chicago's government finally stop the city's tiniest but deadliest killers? 125
Investigation 14 How did Daniel Burnham solve overcrowding, business, and transportation problems? 139
Investigation 15 What is A Century of Progress? 148
Conclusion: What did it take to make Chicago? 160
Are You a Chicago Star? 162
Index 163
Images Credits 167
Bibliography 173
Acknowledgments 179
About the Author 181
Ren1955
Posted July 21, 2012
Although this book is about the history of Chicago and the area around it for the grader no less. Every parent and teacher should be reading this. Not only can you teach your child(ren) about the history of a great American City but it will give you ideas on ways to teach a single child or a whole class the history of your own city, town or state and you may even learn some too! I hope teachers will bring this book to the attention of their principles. Please get in touch with Ms Kreczmer and Thank her for her wonderful book. It may inspire your child in a whole different way!
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Overview
From the Europeans who were first attracted to the area to Daniel Burnham’s solutions to overcrowding and transportation problems, this book walks through the history of Chicago. With 15 “Investigations” that explore creeks, prairies, forts, fires, and the world's fair, the book helps children develop interpretive skills through a range of social studies. It answers questions such as How was the first community in Chicago started? What caused Chicago to boom? and What is meant by “a century of progress”?, ...