I may ask the students to research William Jennings Bryan and the Gold Standard utilizing the Progressive Index online. Or they may be asked to review the diaries of Eugene Ring, who was a miner in the Gold Rush in the 1840's. The value of such assignments is that the students have unprecedented access to information and resources from libraries, colleges, and other institutions. The downside is that sometimes it is better to use a book than the Internet. The kids are becoming too Internet dependent and that is their first source when researching.
Libraries offer much and actually can have much more in depth materials.
I do a very good historic letters project where the students write each other as if they were living in the turn of the century. It is good because it requires students to research, write, and to role play. It also shows them the value of letter writing in general and the idea that common people do make history. Letters are a valuable source to the historian even when written by non-famous people. My 1960 Computer simulation is a true highlight.