Take a look at how American grew in size during the 1800's.  As transportation improved, people began to spread out to different settlements across the US.

Human settlements vary in location, size, and function. Some of the main focuses of settlements are creating economic, transportation, communications, and government systems. Where cities are located usually has a great deal to do with both physical and human characteristics

Assignment...

1. Read the first section of this article on Akron (click on Akron to access the link)
2. What made Akron a good choice for a settlement? (5 points)
   
3. What caused population to increase in this area so much during the early 1900's (5 points)
   
4. Take a look at a map of Ohio...what do you think made Cincinnati and Cleveland such good locations for settlements? (5 points)
5. Post in the comment section...use complete sentences!
   

Standard OH Grade 8, Social Studies Standard Geography 1 Compare places and regions in the United States as they existed prior to 1877 with the same places and regions today to analyze changes in land use and population, political, social and economic characteristics.

The word culture can often be used in reference to the practices and customs of a particular group of people. For example, art, religion, social customs, food, and language are all parts of culture. The United States has a very unique and diverse culture, and has often been called a "melting pot" because people from all around the world have migrated to the U.S. to live and work

Assignment...Create a post in the comment section including the following

1. Describe in 3 or more sentences your families' culture.  Consider special events, holidays, religion, social customs, food, and any other things that make your family unique. (5 points)
   
2. In 2 or more sentences write about how your family, all though unique, shares similar traits and customs with other Americans. (5 points)
3. Response is more than 5 sentences (5 points)

Standard OH Grade 8, Social Studies Standard People in Societies 6
Explain how the diverse peoples of the United States developed a common national identity.

Diversity has played an important part in the history of the United States. Even though there are many different types of people living in this country, not all of them have always been treated equally. 

This could be seen clearly in the following events in US history...

• Indian Removal Act
• Nineteenth Amendment
• Brown v. Board of Education
• Montgomery Bus Boycott
• Jim Crow Laws
  

Assignment...Select one of the topics above for discussion on your post this week and include the following.

1. List and summarize (describe) your topic...answer the question what is it?  (5 points)
   
2. When and Where did this take place...(include year, and location, city/state/country/region. (2.5 points)
   
3. Who were the cultural groups involved (for example, White Adult Americans and African American Adults)...this can include nationalities, race, adults, children, gender and so on. (2.5 points)
   
4. What did these groups disagree on. (2.5 points)
   
5. Post in the comment section, any format will work as long as all parts of the assignment are addressed (2.5 points)

OH Grade 8, Social Studies Standard People in Societies 2
Describe and explain the social, economic and political effects of:

1. Stereotyping and prejudice;
2. Racism and discrimination;
3. Institutionalized racism and institutionalized discrimination.