Morning Call: Students can take a ‘field trip’ to learn about the rise and fall of Bethlehem Steel

There’s a unique opportunity for students to learn about Bethlehem’s rich industrial past through the eyes of immigrant steelworkers.

It’s also virtual.

‘The Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel Virtual Field Trip’ is a bilingual opportunity for students to learn about Bethlehem’s industrial history. It’s a collaboration between the National Museum of Industrial History and Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, who worked in coordination with Bethlehem Area School District.

The virtual field trip takes the museum’s popular ‘Rise and Fall of Bethlehem Steel’ tour and makes it accessible for students both virtually and in the classroom.

LoriAnn Wukitsch, vice president and managing director of Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, said in a news release that the program covers a broad range of history, from the importance of the Moravian life in Bethlehem through the transformation of Bethlehem Steel into a vibrant arts and cultural district.

Students will learn everything from the raw materials used to make steel to investigating the diverse cultures of those who settled in the Lehigh Valley to work at Bethlehem Steel. The program is also available in Spanish and English. Through five lessons, students follow a cast of characters through a historical exploration that looks at Steel locally, nationally, and internationally. Teachers will receive a classroom kit that allows students to touch real examples of natural resources used in the steel making process.

Throughout the lessons students can watch videos, navigate to interactive pages with audio and visual components, and test their knowledge with quizzes and extension activities.

Educators can find more by contacting the museum: 610-694-6944 or emailing at info@nmih.org.

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