America’s worst pollution disaster, just south of Pittsburgh in 1948 | 14m
Air Pollution Model Cross Section | Aerial Model
Clean Air Act – check out the support materials section for discussion questions and vocabulary
High-Adventure Science – Air Quality Module
The Pittsburgh woman who opened doors nationwide for African Americans in classical music and opera | 15m
Do you think music education is important for students today even if they aren’t going to professional musicians? Why or why not?
Why do you think there is still a disparity of representation of African Americans in classical music/opera today?
Why is it important to revive Mary Cardwell’s legacy?
The early days of mental health treatment chronicled at a Pittsburgh institution | 17m
The early days of mental health treatment chronicled at a Pittsburgh institution.
In the early years, mental hospitals were seen as humane. Many were later closed due to over crowding and understaffing. Thinking about the current mental health system, would there be any benefits to having more mental hospitals today?
Where do individuals with mental illness go now for help?
Why do you think mental illness is so stigmatized?
Look into Dorthea Dix, how was mental illness treated before her push for mental hospitals? What do you think is the next big mental health reform for today?
A Western Pennsylvania artist who became one of America’s foremost artists capturing unforgettable images of the coal mining era | 8m
A Western Pennsylvania artist who became one of America’s foremost artists capturing unforgettable images of the coal mining era.
Why is it important to remember and record history like coal mining through art?
Find a few of Melega’s works. What are some common themes in his art style? Which piece of art stands out to you? Why?
The Springdale native who inspired the nation’s environmental movement | 7m
The Springdale native who inspired the nation’s environmental movement.
Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring – check out the support materials section for discussion questions
Pesticide Early Warnings | Rachel Carson | Viewing Guide
Earth Days: Rachel Carson & Silent Spring
Lessons from Silent Spring for Controlling Disease | Rachel Carson – check out the support materials section for teaching tips
Meet Jean Bryant, a local journalist who changed lives by starting Pittsburgh’s African American youth pageants | 10m
The Miss America Organization and Pageant Icons
American Pageantry Image Gallery
1948 Pageant Contract – Pageant organizers have drawn up contracts over the years for sponsors of local contests. This one, from 1948, includes the notorious rule number 7 barring non-white women from competing.
Hailing from Connellsville, Florence Reynolds was among the only women pilots during WW2 | 7m
Hailing from Connellsville, Florence Reynolds was among the only women pilots during WWII.
What was something surprising you learned from Florence Reynolds’ story?
What do you think motivated so many women to volunteer for military service during WWII?
How did WWII help promote more equality for women?
What does the phrase, “Free a man to fight”, mean to you?
Do you think military women were treated fairly after the war ended?