Industrial Then and Now

This worksheet helps students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 analyze industrial practices through comparative thinking, historical reasoning, evidence-based reflection, and clear written explanation. By using a structured comparison chart, learners examine working conditions, technology, and industrial practices of the late 1800s alongside those of today, making abstract ideas about change over time concrete and meaningful. Reflection questions then prompt students to support their comparisons with historical evidence and modern examples.

Skills Reinforced

• Continuity & Change (Grades 6-8) – Identify what has changed and what has stayed the same since the Industrial Age
• Industrial & Labor History – Examine working conditions, production methods, and labor expectations
• Comparative Analysis – Compare historical and modern practices using organized evidence
• Impact of Technology – Evaluate how technological advances have shaped work and society

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with middle school social studies and ELA standards
• Comparison Chart Format – Supports organization and clear side-by-side analysis
• Evidence-Based Reflection – Encourages students to cite both historical details and real-world examples
• Flexible Use – Works well for classwork, discussion, assessment, or homeschool instruction
• Promotes Critical Thinking – Encourages evaluation of progress and remaining challenges

This Industrial Then and Now worksheet helps students understand how Industrialization continues to influence modern life. By comparing past and present working conditions and technology, learners strengthen historical reasoning, comparative writing, and civic awareness. It’s a no-prep, engaging resource for classroom and homeschool settings focused on understanding long-term change and the ongoing impact of industrial development.

This worksheet is part of our Industrialization and the Gilded Age Worksheets collection.