WEB EXCLUSIVE Sophomore history classes began the final section of their Industrial Revolution projects which consist of researching a societal issue and relating it back to the Industrial Revolution.

The project gives students an awareness of the world around them, according to history teacher Michael Stafford.

“One of the major parts of studying history is to understand the world as we have it and as it is,” Stafford said. “My students can better understand this because we are connecting pieces from history to modern issues.

Students are required to research an issue and contact experts through call or email. They will then present their findings to the class.

“I am excited to present my research to the class,” sophomore Charlotte Ehrlich said. “I think it’s important to have a conversation about our role in making sure history doesn’t repeat itself.”

Students are researching topics such as women’s roles in government, actor unions and carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. Sophomore Harriet Ritchie, whose topic is on factory farming, says she wants to address the misconceptions behind the issue.

“Not a lot of people know where their food comes from,” Ritchie said. “There are many rules and regulations that come with running a factory which is such a big thing in society.”

The project is due on April 3rd. This presentation allows students to teach each other about issues happening around the world.

“This is a school that believes in empowerment of our students,” Stafford said. “For my students to be able to look at modern issues that are affecting workers, production, the environment and sustainability shows that there are people around the world that are responding and trying to make the world better.”