Learning about the significance of Dorothy’s ruby red slippers in Ms. Herskind’s class…

"One challenging concept involves the dual paths of economic change during the period (gold vs. silver standards). A great way to tackle the topic is to bring in Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The once overwhelming discussion on the debate over free silver or gold turns into a lively conversation about Oz—abbreviation for the mighty ounce—where gold, like the Yellow Brick Road, might lead you to the solution to all of your problems or silver, like Dorothy's shoes (in the original book, they were silver, not ‘ruby red’), might carry you to your heart's desire."—Ingrid Herskind

"One of my favorite time periods is the Gilded Age—when the country’s financial situation exploded after the Civil War. The beauty of the period lies in the complexity of the issues and the problematic politicians elected to solve them."—Student