Lesson Plan
Analyzing a Battlefield Map and Corresponding Image
- Grade Level:
- Seventh Grade
- Subject:
- American Indian History and Culture, Anthropology, Colonial History, Geography, History, Military and Wartime History, Social Studies, War of 1812
- Duration:
- 1 to 5 class periods
Vocabulary
Captive
Commerce
Constrained
Conquer
Detention
Embargo
Foreign
Harass
Hostile
Impressment
Jurisdiction
Maritime
Plundered
Port
Pretentions
Provocation
Ravage
Seizures
Overview
The Battles of Frenchtown–also known as the Battles of the River Raisin–were key battles in the War of 1812. The battles marked a turning point in the war on the Great Lakes, thanks to the rally cry “Remember the Raisin!"Students will analyze a series of maps and an image from the Battles of the River Raisin to gain gain an understanding of the events of the second battle. The student will then use his/her understanding of the two sources to interpret the historical accuracy of a battle image.
Objective(s)
1.Analyze a map as a primary or secondary source document
2.Explain the historical significance of a battlefield map
3.Compare an image of the battlefield with a battlefield map
4.Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of the Battles of the River Raisin and War of 1812 from their research and use of primary and secondary source documents.
Background
Before you visit River Raisin National Battlefield Park, prepare your students for what they will experience and provide them some background information using the curriculums that were developed by fellow teachers.
Curriculums available include:
1."Letters from the Grave" - A 6-day lesson plan for grades 3 to 5
2."A Soldier's Notes from Michigan's Big Battle" - A 5 to 10 day lesson plan for grades 6 to 8
3."Analyzing a Battlefield Map & Corresponding Image" - A 2-day lesson plan for grades 7 and 8
4."Remember the Raisin Adventure" - A 2-day lesson plan for grades 6 to 12 5."Battle of the River Raisin Pen Pal Project" - a 2 to 3 week lesson plan for grade 8 and up
While the curriculums have been designed for specific grades based upon state and national education standards, you are welcome to utilize any of the curriculums that work best for your students.
Procedure
Each section of the lesson plan follows along with all of the necessary documents or where the materials can be obtained. This lesson plan is divided into sections by recommended days, but can be completed in any format that works best for the classroom. Read the following overview of the Battles of Frenchtown or The Battles of the River Raisin to better understand what took place before starting the lesson with your students.
Assessment
Students will pull information from map and image analysis together to draw conclusions about the second battle.
Hand copies of Drawing Conclusions to each student in their groups and allow them to complete either individually or in their group. (10-15 minutes)
Evaluation of the Differences and Similarities Charts and analysis sheets should be for a participation grade. Drawing Conclusions assignment should be used as a summative evaluation according to the teachers' standards and grading practices.
Park Connections
Ticket to Ride eligible schools
Ticket to Ride schools include select 3rd through 8th grade classrooms in Monroe and Wayne Counties, Michigan schools. To determine if your school/classroom is eligible please contact the Battlefield at 734-243-7136. Ticket to Ride scholarships have been funded by many generous supporters of the Battlefield.
Reservation Forms may be returned to the Battlefield by:
Fax: 734-244-5501
Email: daniel_downing@nps.gov
Phone: 734-243-7136
Extensions
Using the maps and images provided as a guide, students should draw their own composite historical map of the Battles of Frenchtown. Include such items as locations of buildings, troop locations, geographical features, and selected settlers' plots of land.
Additional extension activities are provided on the "Teachers Guide to Analyzing Maps" and the "Teachers Guide to Analyzing Images".