This lesson invites students to analyze the social and economic impacts of the Brooklyn Bridge's construction. Segments from Ken Burns’ Brooklyn Bridge provide source material for students to analyze the social and economic impact of the Brooklyn Bridge, understand the political and economic debate surrounding the Bridge’s construction, and examine the bridge's wide-reaching social and economic effects. The bridge transformed New York City and has since become an integral part of American culture.

Students will apply their learnings about the socioeconomic impacts of the bridge to evaluate structures in their own community. To culminate, students will write up plans for a new architectural structure designed to bring economic growth and social benefits to their area. 

Lesson Objectives:

Students will aim to…..

• Define economic and social impacts of the Brooklyn Bridge construction.
• Examine key historical milestones in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
• Analyze the social and economic impacts of the Brooklyn Bridge in their historical context.
• Evaluate the social and economic impact of a local engineering or architectural structure in order to generate ideas for how a new project in their city or state would contribute to the economic and social development of their community.