In preparation for your review, read the pertinent section in Cowan s A Social History of American Technology to gain a general understanding of some of the social and technological changes occurring in that period. Both Scientific American and Ladies Home Journal are indexed in the Readers Guide to Periodical Literature Index that the library has starting with 1900. Often, the random or chance encounter will enable you notice something that you might otherwise have ignored. In addition to the articles, pay attention to advertisements, notices, letters, editorials and other smaller features. Comment on one or two visual images regarding the nature of their construction or the style of their presentation.
Earlier years are in some way easier in that the datedness of the material is more evident.
Cowan can be of assistance in determining appropriate time frame. If individuals in a group wish to focus on a particular time frame for their oral report, this assignment may be linked with the subject matter of that report. Different group members might select different publications.