The History of Toys and Games
This unique two-hour special explores the history of the world's playthings. Universal in occurrence and appeal, toys and games are found in every culture and era. But more than just devices to amuse the young, toys can be a window in which to study and learn the history of any given period or area. Toys reflect the economic, social, technological, gender, and political trends and events of a society, and the plaything of today can become the valuable collector's item of tomorrow.
The History of Toys and Games would be useful for classes on World History, American History, American Culture, Gender History, the History of Science and Technology and Psychology. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
Part 2
Discussion Questions
- avocation
- commodity
- disgruntled
- enumerated
- evocative
- imposing
- laboriously
- lexicon
- lithograph
- meticulous
- perseverance
- prototype
- simulation
- tangible
- terrain
- thwart
- touted
- ultimately
Extended Activities
- Some of the most popular toys have been trains, planes and automobiles. Why are transportation toys so popular?
- What was the Industrial Revolution? How did it change America? How did the Industrial Revolution influence toy manufacture?
- Lionel trains are famous throughout the world. How did this company get its start?
- Model airplanes are staples of the toy industry. But these models were not originally intended to be used as toys. What were the original uses for model airplanes?
- Discuss what the term state-of-the-art means. How does state-of-the-art differ from era to era? What are some examples of this?
- Discuss and provide examples of how world events have influenced the toy industry.
- How have movies and television influenced the toy industry?
- What were the effects of World War II on the toy industry and America's toys, both during the war and in the post-war period?
- How did toy manufacturers contribute to the war effort during World War II?
- Why have Hot Wheels been so successful?
- How do federal regulations test for toys to ensure their safety?
- What is the future of toys and games?
Related Videos
- Design a car model for Hot Wheels.
- Discuss your favorite toys with your classmates. Why are these your favorite toys? What are some of the favorite toys of your classmates? Why do some toys seem to be more popular than others? Ask your parents and grandparents what their favorite toys were and compare their favorites with the favorites of your classmates and yourself.
Air Dates
