"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.
How To Reserve
Thank you for making Gettysburg National Military Park a part of your year!
To Begin Your Reservation Request for a History Lab, please either:
Complete this Form or Email our education team the following information:
Subject Line: Reservation Request History Lab
[ ] Name of School/Organization/Family
[ ] Street Address
[ ] City, State, Zip
[ ] School/Contact Phone #
[ ] Teacher/Leader Contact
[ ] Teacher/Leader Email
[ ] Grade(s)
[ ] Number of Students/Participants
[ ] Number of Classes, if applicable
[ ] Programs of Interest
[ ] Possible Dates/Times for Each
[ ] Additional Questions/Comments
Please Note: All programs and procedures are subject to change.
