Looking and Discussing
Grade: 4–5; 6–8
Subject: Art, Language Arts, Social Studies
Compare and Contrast
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See Student Activity: Compare
and Contrast
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Compare Chipeta Falls—Black Cañon of the Gunnison
with Bierstadt’s
Sunrise, Yosemite Valley.
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How is the photograph of a landscape different from a painting?
Discuss how the artist’s choices—angle of view, composition,
contrast of light and dark, etc.—might differ for a photograph
and a painting.
Humans and Nature
The traveling party and the railroad car in the foreground hold the
viewer’s attention. Unlike traditional images of the West, which
feature a broad vista, this photograph captures a deep, narrow canyon
that envelops all who enter.
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What was the photographer’s angle of view when composing
this image?
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Which seem more powerful: humans or nature?
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What does the change from wide vista to canyon interior suggest
about artists’ changing attitudes about the West?
Writing
Grade: 6–8
Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
Vacationing in Colorado
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Imagine you are able to communicate with the people in this photograph.
Send them a letter explaining how vacationing in Colorado has changed
since 1883. How do tourists today travel to the region—by
railroad or car? What clothing do tourists wear today, and how does
it differ from the clothing depicted in the photograph? Where can
vacationers stay today, and what kinds of recreation are available
to them now versus then? How do people record their trips today
versus in the past?
Reading and Research
Grade: 6–8; 9–12
Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
Mapping the Railroads
Have students research the westward expansion of the railroad.
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Using maps, describe the growth of railroads in the West between
1869 and 1900. How was the West affected by the influx of travelers?
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Consider the impact on the environment, existing cultures, towns,
and industries. Why was improving travel via the railroad important
to a country as large as the United States?
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How did photographers contribute to the promotion of travel to
the West?
Photography
Grade: 6–8
Subject: Visual Art, Social Studies
Documenting Changes
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Have students take photographs of their community to document some
recent changes such as new roads, new buildings, shopping centers,
etc. Ideally, have them capture an empty lot that is slated for
development and track the progress. Ask them to consider whether
the new development encourages local citizens or out-of-town visitors
to buy more goods and contribute to the local economy. Would any
of the photographs they have taken be suited for a promotional ad
for the new development? Consider why or why not.
Link to TEKS Connections
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