Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Gettysburg": Soldier Motivation in 1863

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders watch and discuss various clips from the movie "Gettysburg". Using the video, they identify the main motivation for the Union and Confederate soldiers. They describe how soldiers motivation changed from 1861 and 1863.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Who Fought for the Confederacy?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Did the Confederate Army really consist of southern volunteers? Using primary sources, historians examine the story behind the "Twenty Negro Law" and realities of conscription during the Civil War. A letter and a lithograph (included as...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Civil War Soldier's Experience

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the social experiences of the soldiers on the battlefield. Using various viewpoints, they compare their daily life experiences and motives for fighting for the Confederate, Union and African-American soldiers. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cover the Music

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners explore U.S. history by listening to musical pieces in class. For this Civil War era lesson, students discuss the types of musical instruments that were available to soldiers during the war and the themes of their songs....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Memories to Last: Observing Monuments

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners use scientific observation and inference to examine the Hazen Brigade Monument. For this observation lesson, students review the reasons for building monuments in society. Learners then recall monuments they have seen and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Civil War Photographs: The Mathew Brady Bunch

For Teachers 7th - Higher Ed
Students examine the photographs of Mathew Brady. In this Civil War lesson, students analyse primary source photographs from the Civil War. Students will be able to describe specific events and what life might be like during the Civil War.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Virginia in the Civil War

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students examine the role of Virginia during the Civil War. In groups, they brainstorm ideas about why they believe so many battles took place in Virginia. Using a map, they locate the major battles on land and in the ocean. To end...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Inter / Intra Personal Lesson Plan

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers identify the causes of the American Civil War. Using the internet and print sources, they read about the causes and personal backgrounds of those who participated in the war. They choose a character from the time...