Do you think social classes exist today? There is a difference between the super rich and the poor, but does today's society still have a class system based on economics? The Industrial Revolution created a new class that had not been seen before in society: the middle class. Before the Industrial Revolution, it was simply the rich and the poor. You will learn about the lives of each class and how they were very different.

You will create a visual presentation about the differences between social classes during the Industrial Revolution. You will investigate images and facts to show the expansive differences between each class using the “Industrial Revolution Portfolio Effect Worksheet and Rubric.” Then, you'll compile your research into a digital or physical poster to show what you've learned.

Yes, social classes still exist today based on economic status. The wealth gap between the super rich and the poor continues to widen, leading to a clear distinction between different social classes. The middle class still exists as well, although it may look different than it did during the Industrial Revolution.

When creating your visual presentation about the differences between social classes during the Industrial Revolution, consider including images and facts about the living conditions, work environments, education opportunities, and access to resources for each class. Show how the upper class lived in luxury while the lower class struggled to make ends meet. Highlight the emergence of the middle class and how their lives differed from both the rich and the poor.

Use the “Industrial Revolution Portfolio Effect Worksheet and Rubric” to guide your research and presentation creation. Make sure to include a variety of sources and perspectives to provide a comprehensive view of the social classes during this time period. Your digital or physical poster should clearly convey the stark differences between the various social classes, illustrating the impact of economic status on quality of life during the Industrial Revolution.