Lesson Plans & Teacher Guides

In-depth program descriptions and curriculum materials can be accessed on the programs individual web pages. If you would like to receive our interactive education cd, please contact the park's education coordinator by phone at [phone].

The park is currently changing some of its education programs to fit the current Standards of Learning. So future programs will include: Down on the Farm to replace To Be a Slave for Prek-1st grades, Tools of the Trade for 2nd-3rd grades to replace Lifting the Veil, War on the Homefront for 4th and 5th grades, Cast Down Your Bucket for 6th-8th grades, and Clash of the Titans for 11th grade. As soon as we complete the pre-visit and post visit activities and information about the new programs, we will add them to this website. Thank you for your patience.

To Be a Slave (Upcoming new program Down on the Farm)
Kindergarten -1st Grade Program

In this program, students participate in a flannel board story activity and a walk which helps students compare their lives to the life of Booker T. Washington. Students see, touch, and smell life on the mid-nineteenth century Burroughs plantation. While exploring objects and clothing related to Washington and the farm, students learn about what being a slave meant to him.

Ties to Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLS):

History K.1, K.2, K.5 a, b, K.6, K.7 a, b; 1.1

Science K.1b,c, K.2a,K.6a,b,c, 1.5

Lifting the Veil (Changing to Tools of the Trade)
2nd - 3rd Grade Program

Students explore and discuss the reality of an uncertain future faced by millions of freed men. While exploring the tobacco field, students compare and contrast sharecropping and convict lease. Discussing Washington’s determination to secure an education, his commitment to teaching others and his ascension to national leadership, students learn how education improved Washington’s life and how he used it to better the lives of people he touched and influenced. Booker T. Washington’s struggle up from slavery is a role model for children today.

Tools of the Trade

(upcoming 2nd -3rd grade program)

The Burroughs' plantation was rich in natural, capital, and human resources. Students will learn that 150 years ago slaves were valuable human resources here on the farm and experience firsthand how simple machines were used to assist with everyday chores.

Discussing Washington's self-reliance and self-discipline to secure an education, his commitment to teaching others and his ascension to national leadership, students learn how education improved Washington's life and how he used it to better the lives of people he touched and influenced. Booker T.. Washington's struggle up from slavery is a model for children today.

Ties to Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLS):

History 2.3, 2.7, 2.10d

Science 2.5 b,2.7b,2.8,3.2,3.4,3.5,3.8

War on the Home Front
4th - 5th Grade Program

While exploring the park, students discover that the Civil War and emancipation meant different things to the people that lived on the Burroughs plantation. By comparing and contrasting their experiences during those tumultuous times, students will evaluate how these events affected both master and slave.

Ties to Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLS):

History VS.1a,VS.4a, VS.7a, c; VS.8a,b, USI.1a,b,e; USI.5d,

USI.9b, USI.9f

Cast Down Your Bucket!
6th - 8th Grade Program

During their visit to Booker T. Washington National Monument, students explore the Southern plight from the 1880s through the turn of the 20th-century as African American struggled, fought and even died for the right to vote. Students analyze the politics and commercial industries of the South, examine the speeches and papers of Washington and other leaders of the era and debate the economic and social philosophy of Booker T. Washington. While analyzing, describing and discussing the climate of the post-Reconstruction South, students discover that drive and determination can change a nation.

Ties to Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLS):

History VS.4a,VS.7a, VS.8a, b, USI.1a, USI.5c, USI.8d,

USI.9d, e, f; USII.3a,b, USII.4c

Clash of the Titans
10th and 11th Grade Program

This education packet enables students to investigate, research, and participate in meaningful learning experiences about Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. Students gain insight into what motivated these men to act in the context of their time.

Ties to Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLS):

History VUS.1c, VUS.1d, VUS.1h and VUS.8c