During the late 1800s, writing slates like this one were used in schoolhouses in Iowa and around the world. The slates were typically placed inside a wooden frame; however, they could also be bound together in a "slate book," as this one is. Students used a pencil made of slate, which is a type of rock, to write on the slates. The slates were also easy to clean using a cloth or sponge. By the 1930s, materials such as paper began replacing slates as the primary writing material used in schools. Content can be used with the following standards: 3rd grade SS 3.28 Cultural Contributions in a lesson on Iowan schools during the late 1800s. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.
2018.036.004 [Slate, Writing]
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Ownership of this resource is held by the Iowa Rural School Museum of Odebolt and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney.