Teacher's Guide

Welcome to the Teacher Resource Network for Gettysburg National Military Park, a list of useful resources to guide educators and students through the Battle of Gettysburg.

The Student Education Office at Gettysburg offers several resources to help teachers use this national park to provide understanding about the events at Gettysburg and to enrich their studies of the American Civil War. We invite you to explore these options and contact us with any questions you may have.

The mission of Gettysburg National Military Park is "to preserve and protect the resources associated with the Battle of Gettysburg and the Soldiers National Cemetery, and to provide the understanding of the events that occurred here, within the context of American history." This mission can be accomplished in many different ways, especially in a classroom. The classroom for your students may not just be your school- Gettysburg National Military Park is a classroom unto itself when your class visits the battlefield park.

The goal of the education programs at Gettysburg National Military Park are to educate and involve students in different human aspects of the Civil War experience. Students are given the opportunity to see first hand what the Civil War meant to the people who lived it and what it means to our national heritage today. Our educational goals are not to instruct students in tactics and strategy, but delve into the human aspects and tragic consequences of the war that not only tore America apart, but also put it back together again. The park offers a variety of programs for students during your visit, which you will find under Teacher's Resources. Follow these links to help you gather ideas for your class and find what we can offer you at the park.

TEACHER'S RESOURCES- What the park can offer you and your class on a trip to Gettysburg, and what we can offer if you can't get here.

TEACHER'S FEATURES- Lesson plans and incentives for a Civil War class.

STUDENT FEATURES- Ideas and activities for students.

Bringing Gettysburg Into Your Classroom

TRAVELING TRUNK PROGRAM: "THE LIFE OF A CIVIL WAR SOLDIER"

(Gettysburg NMP)

WHEN: The trunks are available for two-week time slots throughout the school year, but ACT NOW. Once the slots are filled, you may be placed on a waiting list.

WHERE: The trunk is shipped directly to your school and your classroom. You may set up the six learning stations there, or use a common room so that the whole school can become involved.

WHO: Three of our trunks are targeted toward 5th graders, and one is targeted specifically toward 8th grade students. The trunks have been shipped and used successfully in Florida, Washington . . . even Hawaii!!

HOW: If you are interested in receiving a trunk, please leave your school fax number on the voicemail system of our Education Coordinator (717) 334-1124 extension 420. You will receive an application form and, if available, a trunk will be shipped to your school on a specified date. Your school will then submit a donation check covering the cost of the shipping expense of the trunk (average cost is $120.)

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMS: LIVE BROADCASTS TO YOUR CLASSROOM

"Gettysburg: The Soldiers' Battle" Our 2004 Student Educational Broadcast aired May 20, 2005. This year's show was a repeat of the 2000 award-winning broadcast for teachers and students.

"A New Birth of Freedom: The Story of Four Americans at Gettysburg" Our 2003 Student Educational Broadcast was broadcast twice this year, in May and October. This year's 40 minute program was followed with a ten minute question and answer session, which reached thousands of school students throughout the nation. Tapes of the broadcast are still available for school instruction. Call Student Education Co-ordinator Barbara Sanders at (717) 334-1124, extension 420 for more information.

"Gettysburg: Stories of Monumental Courage" The 2002 broadcast featured more of the park, highlighted the courage of several soldiers who fought this great battle, and looked at Gettysburg civilians who were forced to accept the disaster on their very doorsteps. We received our second "Telly Award" for excellence in children's programming for "Stories of Monumental Courage"! This program was rebroadcast in May 2005.

"Gettysburg: The Face of Battle" Gettysburg National Military Park's 2001 satellite broadcast was another great success. A highlight of the program was the participation of students from E.F. Smith Middle School from York, Pennsylvania, who retraced the paths of two regiments that fought each other during "Pickett's Charge". Click on the title to visit 2001's broadcast web pages!

Gettysburg: The Soldiers' Battle On May 3, 2000, Gettysburg National Military Park sponsored "Gettysburg: The Soldiers' Battle", a live broadcast from the park for 4th through 5th grade students. We reached approximately 300,000 school students across America and it was a big hit! "Gettysburg: The Soldiers' Battle" received the prestigious "Telly Award" for excellence in children's programming in the year 2000! Interested in some behind the scenes photos? Then take a look!

Looking for a broader base from which to teach your class? Try the National Park Service sponsored Teaching With Historic Places Lesson Plan