The late 19th century witnessed the birth of modern America. These years saw the advent of new technologies of communication, including the phonograph, the telephone, and radio. They also saw the rise of the mass media: of mass-circulation newspapers and magazines, best-selling novels, million dollar national advertising campaigns. These years witnessed the rise of commercialized entertainment, including the amusement park, the urban nightclub, the dance hall, and first motion pictures. Many modern sports, including basketball, bicycling, football, and golf were introduced to the United States, as were new transportation technologies, such as the automobile, electric trains and trolleys, and, in 1903, the airplane. They also saw the birth of the modern university.

In this module,students will explore these topics in depth and create a 3D "Modern America" virtual world to showcase what they learned.

Assessment

Students complete a variety of written assignments and final projects to assess progress. All work is archived in individual student folders at the WiloStar3D site. Final multimedia projects are showcased at the WiloStar3D site and are archived into personal student portfolio CD's at the end of the school year to document progress and student grow.

WiloStar3D teachers provide written daily feedback on all student assignments. Students have password protected learning portals where assignment feedback is stored along with their e-gradebook. Students have access to this area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

These include:

• Modern America Virtual World
• Early Inventions Exhibit
• New Technologies Essay Test