Assembly Line Production
Learn about assembly lines and how they work. Read about Henry Ford and his Model T assembly lines. These sites cover the principles of mass production and industry. Includes movies of assembly lines, historical photos of workers, and lesson plans. There are links to two eThemes on economics.
Grades
- 3,
- 4,
- 5,
- 6
Links
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Evolution of Mass Production
Read this page to find out how assembly line has changed mass production. Use a left menu to learn more about Henry Ford.
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PBS: On the Line
This online program created by PBS is about lives of workers in Ford Motor factory. Read interview transcripts and listen to audio clips of people in the event. Includes suggested classroom activities and discussion questions in Teacher Guide.
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Quilting Bee
Students can participate in division of labor and specialization in the production of a quilt top, and then describe the differences between producers and consumers. This lesson plan uses the book "Charlie Needs a Cloak" by Tomie dePaola.
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America on the Move: Ford Assembly Line, 1920s
Scroll down to watch a silent movie of Ford Assembly Line in 1920s.
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What is an Assembly Line?
In this activity, students can learn new vocabulary and discuss the different process necessary on the assembly to make different products. Talk about the different types of machines used to accomplish these tasks. NOTE: This site contains ads and has a link to a discussion forum.
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Division of Labor
What are the advantages and disadvantages of division of labor? In this lesson, students can conduct an experiment to see if division of labor increases productivity, and if greater efficiency produces a higher quality end product.
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BrainPOP: Assembly Line
Watch a movie from Tim and Moby explaining and showing how assembly lines work. Includes activities and a quiz. NOTE: A subscription is required to view a movie.
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Lean on Me: We Depend on Each Other
In this activity, students will learn concepts of interdependence, specialization, and division of labor through hands on activities and online resources on assembly lines. NOTE: This site has links to external sites.
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eThemes Resource: Economics: Basic Concepts
Learn about various economic concepts, including supply and demand, opportunity costs, and natural, human, and capital resources. Includes many class activities and several online quizzes and interactive games. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on taxes.
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eThemes Resource: Economics: Taxes
These sites explain the U.S. taxation system and how it works. Learn about the different types of taxes through classroom activities and discussion questions. Also covers the services that local, state, and federal governments provide with tax money. Includes an online concentration game about taxes.
Education Standards
