North vs. South

grades

4, 5, 6

subjects

math, social studies

time allotted

45 minutes

setting

classroom

group size

no limit

skills

graphing, subtracting,
interpret method

methods

students will draw a bar graph showing differences in Union and Confederate information.

materials

information handout, graph or notebook paper, crayons or markers

keywords

arms
cannons
casualties
corps
troops

Objectives
At the end of this activity, students will be able to:

	Create a bar graph showing specific information.
	Subtract to show differences in Union and Confederate information.
	State differences in information.

Background Information
Throughout the war, the Union Army was generally better armed and supplied than the Confederate Army. At the Battle of Stones River, the following statistics may be noted: The Union troops commanded by Rosecrans had 3 corps, 137 cannons, and 43,400 soldiers. The Confederate troops commanded by Bragg had 2 corps, 90 cannons, and 37,712 soldiers.

Activities

	Make a handout of the statistical information (background information, above) Distribute to students.
	Briefly review graphing procedure.
	Lead students to the decision that a bar graph will work well to show this information. The bar for Confederate should be colored gray, the Union blue.
	Allow time to complete work, then discuss differences in information. How did this affect the outcome of the Battle of Stones River?

Follow-up Activities

	Students research and add additional information to their graphs.
	Write a report on supplies and arms for both armies.

Resources
Cozzens, Peter. The Battle of Stones River. National Park Civil War Series, Eastern National, 1995.

Ridley, B.L. Battles and Sketches of the Army of Tennessee. Dayton, OH, Morningside Books, 1978.

Natural Resources

Cultural Resources

The Battle of
Stones River

Related Resources