Topic: The Changing Technology of a Single-Industry
Community.
Problem: How did the growth of technology in the late 1700's to late 1800's impact the development and decline of Allaire Iron Works, Allaire, New Jersey?
Based on the theme of our specialized career academy, High Technology High School students in Social Studies and Chemistry decided to investigate the relationship between the technology and geology of the nearby Allaire Iron Works in Allaire, New Jersey. The technologies of the late 1700's enabled the development of the iron ore production and creation of this single-industry community. The geology of the location allowed for the development of the furnace near an iron bog site. A company village grew around the furnace providing all the benefits of a town for the workers and their families.
By the late 1800's, advanced refining technologies brought about the decline of Allaire Village. Additionally, richer ore deposits were discovered in Pennsylvania. With the advent of the railroad system, along with the absence of major transportation hubs, Allaire was unable to effectively compete in the energy market. The Iron Works in Allaire was forced to close and the Village was abandoned.
Solution:
The students researched and investigated the evolution and demise
of this community. A park-volunteer researcher visited our school and
lectured to the group on the geology of Allaire. Students visited and
photographed this historical site. Using the information gathered, they
created a web page describing the chemistry of the iron ore furnace. The
web page also included an historical timeline, culture and history of
the site as well as a map of the Iron Works and Village. Future social
studies and chemistry students will access this web page as part of their
research for the industrial revolution in America. This project has become
an important cross-link between the theme of our specialized career academy,
mathematics and science in engineering and technology, and two curriculum
subjects.
Further information: