Ranger-Led Programs for High School Students

Park Rangers Present the Following Programs:

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). You may also do this program on your own using the National Cemetery Exploration Teacher's Guide, (pdf 8 MB, 34 pages).

Battlefield in a Box
A ranger will create a large representation of the battlefield on the ground that shows the roads, bridges and other features. Groups of students can be moved around the map to illustrate the movements of troops during the battle and to demonstrate the influence of terrain on the battle. This overview of the battle includes a degree of participation by selected volunteers from the audience. Group size: 20 - 50 students. Time: 30 minutes.

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.

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.

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.