History Labs

The "You Are A Soldier" History Lab

NPS Photo

What Are History Labs?

"History Labs" are complete place-based, hands-on, and collaborative lesson plans and materials that teachers reserve and pick up on the day of their field trip. Each lesson takes approximately 45 – 60 minutes to complete, and most are adaptable for students Grades 4-12. “Teach the Teacher” videos as well as lesson instructions are available prior to your field trip.

Information on how to register for a History Lab can be found below.

What History Labs Do We Offer?

Battlefield Artist
Grade Level: 2-6
Location: East Cemetery Hill (Recommended)
Essential Question: How did Americans get their news from the Battlefield?Activity: Sketch East Cemetery Hill while learning about artist Alfred Waud at Gettysburg.

You Are A Soldier!
Grade Level: 2-6
Location: Lunch Area Near Bus Parking Lot at Visitor Center (Recommended)
Essential Question(s): How did soldiers dress? What did they carry? How did they train?
Activity: See and feel some uniform and equipment items; participate in some basic infantry drills

Signal Flag Communication
Grade Level: 4-12
Location: Meade's Headquarters
Essential Question(s): What skills and abilities were necessary to effectively send and receive messages during a Civil War campaign?
Activity: In teams, send and receive messages using two signal flags and a cipher code.

Battlefield Science
Grade Level: 5-10
Location: Devil's Den
Essential Question(s): Would you have made a good Civil War doctor or nurse? Could you be a National Park biologist?
Activity: Triage battle wounded and examine medical technology. Identify and graph native and introduced plant species.

The Gettysburg Address
Grade Level: 6-10
Location: Gettysburg National Cemetery
Essential Question(s): What were the motivating factors for Lincoln’s trip to Gettysburg? How might Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address have motivated others during the Civil War? Today?
Activity: Tour the National Cemetery and piece together the Gettysburg Address close to where it was delivered.

After The Battle
Grade Level: 6-10
Location: Gettysburg National Cemetery
Essential Question: What happened on Cemetery Hill after the battle, and how did it affect the meaning of the war?
Activity: Identify soldiers based on their personal effects; read soldier letters, graveside.

 

Reserve Your History Lab

To begin your reservation request for History Lab Kits, please email us the following.

SUBJECT LINE: History Lab Reservation Request

1. Name of School/Organization
2. Street Address
3. City, State, Zip
4. School/Contact Phone #
5. Teacher/Leader Contact
6. Teacher/Leader Email
7. Grade(s)
8. Number of Students/Participants
9. Number of Classes, if applicable
10. History Lab Kits of Interest
11. Possible Dates (List as many workable dates as possible)
12. Times of Each program
13. Additional Questions/Comments/Special Considerations

History Lab lesson plans and instructions are available prior to Field Trip Day. When you arrive at the park, pick up the kit and head out on to the battlefield with your students. Each lesson takes approximately 45-60 minutes to complete. Kit materials are designed for a class of up to 40 students.