"From Bloom to Boom: Student-Led Learning"

8th Grade

Project
3 weeks

Leadership in the Civil War

Adam C. Samson

SS.8.A.5.1

SS.8.A.5.2

SS.8.A.5.3

SS.8.A.5.4

SS.8.A.5.5

+ 2 more

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage 8th-grade students in a comprehensive exploration of the Civil War through hands-on, student-led activities. By analyzing primary sources, participating in simulations, and creating reflective projects, students will deepen their understanding of the war's causes, events, and consequences. This project aims to foster critical thinking, historical empathy, and connections between past and present challenges, while meeting key educational standards.

Learning goals

Students will critically analyze the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War, focusing on the role of leadership and strategic decision-making. They will engage with primary sources to understand diverse perspectives from the era, enhancing their ability to interpret historical events and their modern implications. Through creative projects and simulations, students will develop skills in historical research, strategic thinking, and personal reflection, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of the Civil War's impact on the United States.

Standards

SS.8.A.5.1 - Explain the causes, course, and consequence of the Civil War (sectionalism, slavery, states' rights, balance of power in the Senate).
SS.8.A.5.2 - Analyze the role of slavery in the development of sectional conflict.
SS.8.A.5.3 - Explain major domestic and international economic, military, political, and socio-cultural events of Abraham Lincoln's presidency.
SS.8.A.5.4 - Identify the division (Confederate and Union States, Border states, western territories) of the United States at the outbreak of the Civil War.
SS.8.A.5.5 - Compare Union and Confederate strengths and weaknesses.
SS.8.A.5.6 - Compare significant Civil War battles and events and their effects on civilian populations.
SS.8.A.5.7 - Examine key events and peoples in Florida history as each impacts this era of American history.

Products

Students will create a collection of fictional letters or diary entries that reflect the perspectives of Civil War leaders and civilians, incorporating primary source research and modern reflections. They will also produce strategic maps illustrating the division of the United States during the Civil War, analyzing the strategic advantages and disadvantages of each side. Additionally, students will develop visual timelines of major Civil War events, integrating personal reflections on their contemporary socio-emotional relevance. These products will be showcased in a 'Timeline Gallery Walk' exhibition for peers and community members.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with a dynamic 'Civil War Strategy Day' simulation game, where students assume the roles of Union and Confederate leaders. They will strategize and make decisions based on historical events and military tactics, fostering an immersive understanding of leadership during the Civil War. This interactive launch will set the stage for deeper exploration of the essential question and encourage students to critically analyze the impact of leadership on the war's outcome.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Timeline Gallery Walk' where students display their visual timelines and reflections, inviting peers, teachers, and community members to explore the historical journey and its contemporary relevance. Each student will present their fictional letters or diary entries alongside their timelines, providing context and personal insights into the Civil War's impact. Encourage visitors to engage with the students, asking questions and offering feedback on their interpretations and connections between past and present.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Civil War Strategy Day Simulation - Participate in a simulation game assuming roles of Union and Confederate leaders to strategize based on historical events and military tactics, setting the stage for deeper exploration of leadership impact in the Civil War (45 min)	Essential Question Exploration - Discuss the essential question 'How did different leaders affect the outcome of the Civil War?' and brainstorm initial thoughts and hypotheses (15 min) Primary Source Introduction - Analyze primary source documents such as letters and diaries to understand perspectives of Civil War leaders and civilians (30 min)	Sectional Conflict Analysis - Investigate the role of slavery in the development of sectional conflict by examining key historical documents and events (30 min) Reflection and Discussion - Share insights and reflections on how these conflicts set the stage for the Civil War (15 min)	Mapping United States Division - Begin designing strategic maps to illustrate the division of the United States during the Civil War, identifying Confederate, Union, and Border states (30 min) Map Critique Preparation - Prepare to present and receive feedback on strategic maps, focusing on the strategic advantages and disadvantages of each side (15 min)	Map Critique and Revision - Present strategic maps in small groups, critique each other's analysis, and revise maps based on feedback (30 min) Reflection Journal Entry - Write a journal entry reflecting on the mapping activity and its connection to leadership decisions during the Civil War (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Participation in the 'Civil War Strategy Day' simulation, where students engage in role-play as Union and Confederate leaders. 2. Draft of a fictional letter or diary entry from the perspective of a Civil War leader or civilian, incorporating initial research on primary sources.
Preparation	1. Arrange for a guest speaker or virtual session with a veterans' association representative to discuss military strategy and leadership parallels between the Civil War and modern practices. 2. Gather and provide access to primary source documents, such as letters, diaries, and official records from the Civil War era, for student research. 3. Prepare materials for the 'Civil War Strategy Day' simulation, including role cards, scenario descriptions, and maps of the United States during the Civil War. 4. Set up a research station in the classroom with books, articles, and digital resources about Civil War leadership and key events. 5. Create a timeline template for students to begin drafting their visual timelines of major Civil War events.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Research Primary Sources - Students analyze letters, diaries, and official records from Civil War leaders to understand diverse perspectives (45 min)	Strategic Mapping Workshop - Guide students in creating strategic maps of Civil War divisions, identifying Union, Confederate, and Border states (45 min)	Analyzing Strengths and Weaknesses - Facilitate student-led discussions comparing Union and Confederate strengths and weaknesses in military strategy (45 min)	Fictional Letters Draft - Students draft fictional letters or diary entries from Civil War perspectives, integrating primary source research (45 min)	Timeline Creation Session - Students begin crafting visual timelines of major Civil War events, incorporating personal reflections on contemporary relevance (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Fictional letters or diary entries from the perspective of Civil War leaders or civilians. 2. Peer-reviewed and revised drafts of the fictional letters or diary entries.
Preparation	1. Gather primary source documents, such as letters and diaries from Civil War leaders and civilians, for analysis. 2. Prepare a guide on how to analyze primary source documents, focusing on historical context and perspective. 3. Set up peer review protocols, including guidelines for constructive feedback and historical accuracy checks. 4. Arrange materials for the 'Civil War Strategy Roundtable,' such as discussion prompts and seating arrangements.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Finalizing Fictional Letters - Refine fictional letters or diary entries from Civil War perspectives, ensuring integration of primary source research and personal reflections (45 min)	Peer Review Session - Conduct peer reviews of fictional letters to provide constructive feedback on historical accuracy and emotional impact (30 min) Revision and Reflection - Revise letters based on peer feedback and reflect on how perspectives of Civil War leaders influence current socio-emotional challenges (15 min)	Timeline Completion - Finalize visual timelines of major Civil War events, incorporating personal reflections on contemporary relevance (30 min) Exhibition Preparation - Prepare timelines and letters for the upcoming Timeline Gallery Walk, ensuring clarity and engagement for visitors (15 min)	Gallery Walk Setup - Arrange visual timelines and letters in the classroom for the Timeline Gallery Walk, creating an inviting and informative exhibition space (20 min) Rehearsal for Exhibition - Practice presenting timelines and letters with peers, focusing on articulation of historical connections and personal insights (25 min)	Timeline Gallery Walk - Host the Timeline Gallery Walk, presenting visual timelines and letters to peers, teachers, and community members, encouraging dialogue and feedback (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized collection of fictional letters or diary entries. 2. Revised strategic maps illustrating the division of the United States during the Civil War. 3. Completed visual timelines of major Civil War events. 4. Participation in the 'Timeline Gallery Walk' exhibition.
Preparation	1. Arrange the exhibition space for the 'Timeline Gallery Walk' to ensure adequate room for all students to display their work. 2. Coordinate with community partners, such as veterans' associations, to attend and participate in the exhibition, offering feedback and insights. 3. Prepare materials for the critique and revision session, including criteria for peer feedback and reflection prompts. 4. Ensure access to primary source documents and any additional resources students may need to finalize their projects.