Neighborhood Context The students learn about Hyde Park’s extensive history through reading and hands on activities. In groups students create a timeline based on handouts detailing the area’s growth. Students use their reasoning skills to determine key information and its context within the growth and industrialization of Hyde Park. Throughout this process, historic and current day maps of Hyde Park are reviewed so students can see the impact of the historical data they are learning. The architectural history and vocabulary is introduced through studying the architectural styles of Historic Hyde Park. The students created their own homes for Historic Hyde Park based on their timelines. Using the historical context they determined the year their theoretical house was built, and the occupation of its residents. Once they had the background, they were able to choose the style of the house they were building. They made sure it fit within the time period their home was built. It was wonderful to hear them discuss the different architectural styles, saying, “I have a roof of a queenanne and windows from an Italianate.” These activities are aimed at preparing them for the neighborhood visit.
Student work sample