Idaho Social Studies 6-9.WH.3.2

Social StudiesGrades 6–9Economics

The Standard

Describe examples that show how economic opportunity and a higher standard of living are important factors in human migration.

Idaho Content Standards: K-12 Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students explain why people might move for steadier work or higher pay. They use a real migration example to show how a move could change a family's daily life.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can explain why northern factory jobs drew some Black families from the rural South during the Great Migration. They can compare wages, rent, and access to services without assuming every move made life easier.
Common Misconceptions: Students may assume a higher wage always means a better life, even when rent rises. They may also assume everyone who moves finds the job they hoped for.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: A family earns $100 a week and pays $40 rent. Another town offers $180 a week, $70 rent, and a nearby clinic. Give two reasons the family might move.

Lesson moves

Give pairs two town cards showing wages, rent, and services; have them draw a move arrow and explain their choice.
Ask students to write why a family might leave farm work for a factory job even if city rent is higher.
Have students sort cards labeled steady work, higher wages, cheaper housing, and nearby clinic by the reasons each might attract migrants.
Print two local job ads with pay and two apartment listings; have students check whether moving would leave more money after rent.

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