Ranger-Led Programs for Middle School Students

Park Rangers Present the Following Programs:

Angels of the Battlefield

During this role-playing activity students will re-create the aftermath of the Battle of Antietam; dramatizing medical care, field hospitals, and Clara Barton's role as a nurse. Students will discuss how they might feel before and during the battle, and about the care they received afterwards. Group size: 20 - 50 students. Time: 30 minutes. Suggested for grades 6-8.

Antietam National Cemetery Exploration
Students will have the opportunity to learn about history by exploring the Antietam National Cemetery with a park ranger. Students and rangers will work together to answer questions on a worksheet and to make personal connections to the soldiers buried in the National Cemetery. Group Size: Up to 50 students. Time On-Site: 45 minutes. Note: This program meets at the entrance to the National Cemetery (Stop number 11 on the driving tour map). Suggested for grades 7-8. You may also do this program on your own using the National Cemetery Exploration Teacher's Guide, (pdf 8 MB, 34 pages).

Cannoneers to Your Posts
Students will participate in a Civil War artillery drill with artillery implements using one of the park's cannons. (No actual firing of the cannon). In case of inclement weather, this program cannot be moved inside. Group size: Up to 40 students. Time: 30 minutes. Suggested for grades 6-8.

Civil War Soldier
A park ranger will discuss the life and times of a typical Civil War soldier; using clothing, leather gear and other soldier items. Group size: Up to 50 students. Time: 30 minutes. Suggested for grades 6-8.

Flags that Talk
Students will be divided into "signal stations," with each station comprising three or four students. Using signal flags and cipher discs, student will send and receive messages in the same way as Civil War armies. Group size: Up to 50 students. Time: 30 minutes. Suggested for grades 6-8. Signal Corps Lesson Plan, (pdf 1.7 mb., 11 pages).

Mumma-Roulette Farms Trail
This trail combines social studies and environmental earth science. Topics include history, soil formation, succession, elements of the ecosystem, food chains, watersheds, habitats, habitat restoration, battlefield preservation, and many more concepts. The trail is 0.8 miles long and is not wheelchair accessible. Students are encouraged to wear sturdy walking shoes and to dress for the weather. Group size: Up to 30 students per group. Time: 1 hour. Suggested for grades 6-8. This program is teacher led. Trail Guide (pdf 3.4 mb, 37 pages).