NPS Photo What Are History Labs?"History Labs" are complete place-based, hands' on, and collaborative lesson instructions and materials that teachers reserve and pick-up on the day of their field trip. Each lesson takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete, and most are adaptable for students from Grades 4 to 12. "Teach the Teacher" videos as well as lesson plans and instructions will be made 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 Sketch 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. Docs and Rocks at Devil's Den Grade Level: 5-10 Location: Devil's Den Essential Question(s): How can understanding science improve our understanding of history, and vice versa? Activity: Classify & date battlefield boulders; triage battle wounded;examine medical technology. The Gettysburg Address Grade Level: 6-12 Location: Gettysburg National Cemetery Essential Question(s): What were the motivating factors for Lincoln’s trip to Gettysburg, and was the trip and his speech effective? Activity: Tour the National Cemetery; piece together the Gettysburg Address where it was delivered. After The Battle Grade Level: 6-12 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. Requests for History Labs for the 2025-2026 school year will open soon. Please check back for updates. |
Last updated: July 25, 2025