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Men of Steel
Extensions

1. Have two students develop a skit in which Joe Magarac and Henry Noll meet and become friends. 2. Using the numerous depictions of Joe Magarac, create an art lesson comparing and contrasting specific features of the art work. What features remain the same in the different depictions of this tall tale hero? What details are different? Why? How would you depict Joe Magarac? If you would like to pursue this extension idea, see Student Handout 4 - Extension Images of Joe Magarac. 3. Compare Joe Magarac with other tall tale figures around the country (e.g., Johnny Appleseed, Paul Bunyan, John Henry, and Davy Crockett).

Field Trips

Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center 1212 Smallman Street Pittsburgh, PA 1522 (412) 454-6304
The Heinz Regional History Center is devoted to the history and heritage of Western Pennsylvania. Its 210,000-square-foot museum and research center offers visitors a chance to interact with original artifacts and historical and cultural exhibits. The Heinz History Center educational program provides a number of field trip options, usually centered on the topic "Points In Time: Building a Life in Western Pennsylvania,1750-Today." Five thematic tours are available: "The Changing Home," "The African American Contribution," "Movement and Memory," "Transportation and Industry," and "Underground Railroad: Journey to Freedom." In particular, the theme of "Transportation and Industry" might tie in nicely with this lesson on steel. Also while you are visiting, be sure to check out Frank Vittor's three-foot plaster model of Joe Magarac now displayed at the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania. http://www.pghhistory.org/education/edunew.html

Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area The Bost Building 623 E. 8th Avenue Homestead, PA 15120 412-464-4020
The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area was created by Congress in 1996 to preserve, interpret, and manage the historical, cultural, and natural resources related to steel and its industries. Several day-long fieldtrips, entitled Big Steel Field Trips, provide students with interactive field experiences and allow them to hone their research skills. A call to inquire about adapting the program for elementary students is advisable. Direct your calls to (412) 464-5119.

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh 10 Children's Way - Allegheny Square Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Phone: 412.322.5058 Fax: 412.322.4932
This museum for younger students offers an exhibit, Play with Real Stuff, where "real things and real processes challenge children's abilities" and help them understand more completely themselves and the world in which they live. The bronze relief of Joe Magarac from the Manchester Bridge of 1915 is found in the garden next door to the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.

Westmoreland Museum of American Art 221 North Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: (724) 837-1500 Fax: (724) 837-2921
According to its website, Westmoreland Museum of American Art is a museum which gives students a chance to explore their history, their country, and the art that has captured both of these elements. Among this collection of art is one work of our tall tale hero, Joe Magarac. The Gropper painting of the steel legend is located here.

Kennywood Amusement Park 4800 Kennywood Blvd. West Mifflin, PA 15122 Phone: 412.461.0500
To visit the statue of Joe Magarac pictured in the extension section of this lesson, plan a field trip to Kennywood Amusement Park.

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