Activity
Then and now
🚗 Getting around
In the 1910s: The Model T car made driving common; ocean liners crossed the Atlantic
Today: Cars, planes, trains, electric scooters — and maps on a phone
☎️ Talking to faraway people
In the 1910s: Telephones in more homes; newspapers for the news
Today: Video calls, texting and messages that arrive in a second
🎲 Fun and games
In the 1910s: Silent movies, teddy bears, roller skates and board games
Today: Video games, streaming shows, LEGO, sports and (still!) board games
🏫 School
In the 1910s: More kids stayed in school; inkwells and dip pens
Today: Laptops and tablets, plus books, pencils and recess
🏠 At home
In the 1910s: More homes got electricity and indoor plumbing
Today: Electricity, Wi-Fi, fridges, microwaves and smart speakers
Mailing a letter in the US cost about 2¢ in the 1910s. Ask a grown-up what a stamp costs today!
Think about it 💭
- Which would you rather have: the toys of the 1910s or today's?
- How would you talk to a friend who lived far away in the 1910s?
- Ask an older relative what they remember changing the most.