Monday through Friday:
This week, my students embarked on a fascinating research project to uncover the stories of Civil War veterans buried in Watkins Hill Cemetery, located right behind our school. By combining a series of EduProtocols, the students were able to organize their findings and piece together the contributions these brave soldiers made to the Union victory.
To kick off the project, students utilized the Fold3 database, a rich resource for military records, as well as information from the cemetery itself and the American Battlefield Trust website. Armed with these tools, they took on the role of historical detectives, digging deep to unearth details about each veteran’s life and service.
The EduProtocols provided a structured framework for the students to present their discoveries. They began by creating a Frayer model to capture basic information about their chosen veteran, such as their birth and enlistment details, regiment, and company. Next, they constructed a timeline to place the veteran’s service within the broader context of the Civil War, marking key milestones like enlistment, discharge, and the battles they fought in.
One of the most engaging aspects of the project was the “Thick Slide,” where students delved into a specific battle their veteran participated in. They researched the date, location, and significant events of the battle, bringing the veteran’s experience to life. By watching videos about the daily life of Civil War soldiers and the food they ate, the students gained a more intimate understanding of the challenges these men faced.
As a culminating activity, the students wove together all the threads of their research to craft a compelling biography of their veteran. They reflected on how each individual contributed to the Union’s ultimate victory, whether through bravery on the battlefield or vital support roles behind the lines.
I asked students what they learned from this project. Here was an interesting comment from a student on the reflection form…”That even though we mainly focus on the big events in history, all the people involved are very important to the overall event.”
Watching my students engage so deeply with local history was truly rewarding. They not only honed their research and critical thinking skills but also developed a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by these long-ago soldiers. By connecting with the past on such a personal level, they gained a new perspective on the impact of the Civil War on our community and the nation as a whole.
Projects like this one remind us of the power of place-based learning and the importance of preserving local history. I’m incredibly proud of my students’ dedication and the insights they uncovered, and I look forward to exploring more ways to bring the past to life in our classroom.
Moler's Musings 