Highsmith, Carol M. The Astrodome, Houston, Texas. Between 1980 and 2006. Photograph. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. https://www.loc.gov/item/2011632374/.
Begin the lesson by asking students, Do buildings say something about a city? Students will then be provided with a visual of the Astrodome to analyze the structure of the building. Some students will be familiar with the building while it may be new for others not familiar with the city of Houston. Students will determine how and why the Astrodome impacted the city.
The Astrodome symbolized a time of growth and innovation for Houston during the 1960s. The stadium served as more than just a sports arena.
Source: https://www.loc.gov/item/2011633917/
Source: : https://www.loc.gov/item/2011633917/
- What is the first thing you notice in the picture?
- What object can you identify?
- Extension Questions:
- Imagine you are visiting the Astrodome in the 1980s. How would your experience then be different from visiting today’s stadiums?
- Why do you think this picture was taken?
ELA Standard
7.6E. Response. Interact with sources in meaningful ways such as notetaking, annotating, freewriting, or illustrating.
Social Studies Standard
7.11B. Economics. Explain the changes in the types of jobs and occupations that have resulted from the urbanization of Texas.
Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
- Engage with visual:
- What do you notice about the photo?
- What do you wonder about the people who used this place?
- Why was the Astrodome such a big deal in the 1960s and 1970s?
- Students research why the Astrodome is known as “The Eighth Wonder of the World” and examine their research with the following questions in mind:
- Why was the facility built?
- What was its original purpose?
- How many sports teams have played here? Why is that significant?
- What other notable events were held here, and what is their significance to the city of Houston?
- How did the building of this structure emphasize that Houston was considered a “Space Age City”?
- Students will use a visual of the Astrodome and supporting documents to answer: How does this photo reflect changes in technology, society, or entertainment?
- Write a diary entry as someone attending the rodeo in the Astrodome for the first time.
- Compare and contrast the Astrodome and NRG Stadium.
- Create a one-page document with important facts about the impact the Astrodome had on Houston and the surrounding communities. Students must explain why it is important and provide evidence.
- Additional resources for this lesson:
- Texas State Historical Association provides background information on the Astrodome. Students will be able to determine how it influenced the city of Houston.
- The Society for American Baseball Research highlights the background of the stadium and details about many events hosted at the Astrodome. Students will be able to see the flexibility of the stadium.
- The East Texas History site provides insight on how the Astrodome helped desegregate Houston. Before the stadium ever opened, there was a plan in place.
- https://savingplaces.org/places/the-astrodome
Highsmith, Carol M. Aerial view of Houston, Texas, with the Astrodome in the foreground. Between 1980 and 2006. Photograph. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. https://www.loc.gov/item/2011633619/.