Technology Activities

patent drawing of harrow disc
Rose Harrow disc cleaner patent drawing
ISM Collection

The History of Illinois Agriculture presents these activities and lesson plans to teachers, students, and anyone interested in exploring the themes and research we covered in the Web site. All ages will enjoy many of these activities.

When Was It Used? (Interactive)
Order the images of the tools in chronological order.

What Is It?
Test your knowledge of tools used in farming, past and present .

How to Analyze Historical Photographs
How to Find Other Primary and Secondary Resources such as patent applications
How to Research and Analyze Historical Objects
How Did Farm Products Get to Market in the Nineteenth Century?
Analyze transportation maps to explain how four farmers marketed their commodities as roads improved and railroads were built.

Mechanization of Farming:
Analyze and calculate man-hours and costs of farm production in two eras of Illinois farming.

Resources:

Brown, Craig McFarland (1995). Tractor, vol. 1. Harper Collins Publishing ISBN: 0688104991. Ages 5-8. Tells about the various steps in farming

Peck, Richard (2000). Long Way from Chicago. Puffin books. ISBN: 0141303522. Young Adult. In 1929 Chicago kids go to spend time on a small Illinois farm.

Clemens, Terri (1994). American Family Farm Antiques. Wallace-Homestead Book Company.

Davidson, J. Brownlee, and Chase, Leon Wilson (1999, rev. ed. 1908). Farm Machinery: Practical Hints for Handy-men. The Lyons Press.

Partridge, Michael (1973) Farm Tools. New York Graphic Society.

Thompson, John (2002). Wetlands Drainage, River Modification, and Sectoral Conflict in the Lower Illinois Valley, 1890-1930. Southern Illinois University Press.

Wendel, C.H. (1997) Encyclopedia of American Farm Implements & Antiques. Krause Publications.