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Exploring the Origins of the Great Chicago Fire

Exploring the Origins of the Great Chicago Fire

Assessment

Interactive Video

English

6th - 10th Grade

Practice Problem

Medium

CCSS
RI.7.2, RL.7.9, RI.11-12.5

+20

Standards-aligned

Created by

Amelia Wright

Used 1+ times

FREE Resource

Standards-aligned

CCSS.RI.7.2
,
CCSS.RL.7.9
,
CCSS.RI.11-12.5
CCSS.RL.5.6
,
CCSS.RI.6.1
,
CCSS.RL.8.2
,
CCSS.RL.9-10.2
,
CCSS.RI.6.2
,
CCSS.RL.7.2
,
CCSS.RL.6.6
,
CCSS.RL.7.6
,
CCSS.RL.8.6
,
CCSS.RI.8.2
,
CCSS.RI.6.8
,
CCSS.RI.7.8
,
CCSS.RL.6.1
,
CCSS.RL.7.1
,
CCSS.RL.8.9
,
CCSS.RI.6.5
,
CCSS.RI.7.5
,
CCSS.RI.8.5
,
CCSS.RI.9-10.5
,
CCSS.RL.6.2
,
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 is often mistakenly attributed to a cow owned by Kate O'Leary. This myth was debunked by Michael Ahern, who admitted fabricating the story. The fire's exact cause remains unknown, though theories include a meteor shower. The fire spread rapidly due to wooden structures, dry conditions, and strong winds. Despite the devastation, Chicago's infrastructure largely survived, aiding in its recovery. The fire led to new building regulations and spurred economic growth, transforming Chicago into a major city. Bonus facts highlight the fire's impact and related events.

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10 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the popular myth about the start of the Great Chicago Fire?

A meteor struck the city.

A gas leak caused an explosion.

A cow kicked over a lantern.

A lightning bolt hit a building.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Who admitted to fabricating the story about the cow starting the fire?

Kate O’Leary

Michael Ahern

Catherine O’Leary

A local firefighter

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was one of the other popular but likely false theories about the cause of the fire?

A lightning storm

A forest fire

A meteor shower

A gas explosion

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why is it unlikely that a meteor shower caused the Great Chicago Fire?

Meteorites cannot reach the ground.

Meteor showers are rare events.

Meteor showers only occur in deserts.

Meteorites are usually cool when they hit the ground.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What material were most of the buildings in Chicago made of in 1871?

Steel

Wood

Concrete

Brick

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What nickname of Chicago is mentioned in the context of the fire?

The City of Lights

The Windy City

The Big Apple

The City of Angels

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What helped the firefighters finally put out the Great Chicago Fire?

A heavy rainstorm

The winds died down and a light drizzle

A sudden drop in temperature

A new firefighting technique

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

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