Introduction for Teachers

Designed by Naomi Sweet (naomi.sweet@fcps.edu). Last updated March 9, 2006 .

This lesson was developed as part of An Adventure of the American Mind Northern Virginia Partnership (AAMNVA) , a federally funded professional development program to assist educators in using Library of Congress primary resources to support student learning.

This LibraryQuest is designed for 6th grade students who have had some basic knowledge of the Civil War time period (more than in the brief student introduction, but not necessarily in depth). It will allow them to take on the role of a particular segment of the population and view the war through the eyes of that person.(perspective). They will be put in the role of a museum docent (parallel of practice) who has to explain this role to museum patrons. The students will be asked to construct a costume using butcher paper for their presentation to enhance the image of the role they are playing.

You may decide to use this as a whole class research project or allow individual students who need more depth and complexity to go off on their own. The final product (Grand Opening Day) will be determined by how you decide to use the LibraryQuest.

School District and State: Fairfax County Public Schools, VA

Unit Number/Title: US History

Conceptual Unit Question: How does social, geographical, political status change your perspective about the Civil War?

Enduring Understanding(s):

There were many factions during the civil war

Perspective of a particular event is dependent on your place in society

Knowledge Goals: Describing the effects of war from the perspectives of Union and Confederate soldiers, officers, civilians, slaves and free black Americans.

Skill Goals: research using internet sources; listen critically and express opinions in oral presentations; write narratives, descriptions and explanations;

Key Concepts: perspective

Other materials and resources needed that are not listed in resource section:

Drawing paper, roll of butcher paper (or other large roll of paper), markers, pencils, scissors