Guest Speakers
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- State Standards:
- VS.7b Describing how the institution of slavery was the cause of the Civil War.
VS.7e Identifying major battles that took place in Virginia.
VS.7f Identifying and explain leadership roles of Virginians.
Essential Questions:
What is the significance of the Battle of Cedar Creek?How did this battle help shape the outcome of the Civil War?
Objective:
Students learn about the sequence of events related to the October 19, 1864 Battle of Cedar Creek through a hands-on interactive map activity led by a park ranger. Students will move wooden pegs around a map while the battle is explained to them by a park ranger.Teacher Information:
The Battle of Cedar Creek was a principal strategic operation that had a decisive influence on the Valley Campaign of 1864 and direct impacts on the course of the Civil War.Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park includes well-preserved cultural and natural landscape features from the early human occupation of the Shenandoah Valley, including features associated with migration, agriculture, farm economies that incuded both enslaved labor and family farms, transportation, and commerce.
Preparation:
This program is designed to be presented on-site at a school classroom, library, or community space. Program duration is 1-hour, but can be adapted to be presented in 30 minutes if necessary. Park rangers will need access to a computer monitor or smart board to display a powerpoint slideshow.Prior to the program students should grouped into pairs, or equally sized groups. No more than four students per map. Students will work cooperatively to move the wooden pegs on the map throughout the phases of the battle. If possible, plan for each group to be able to stand around the map and move around.
The map provided is the size of a standard classroom desk. Please ensure the workspace is cleared of clutter and ready for the program.
Program Details:
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park Introduction
Slideshow presentation to introduce the mission statement of the National Park Service and Cedar Creek and Belle Grove NHP. What role do park rangers have in protecting and preserving US history?
Civil War Recap
Following Virginia state standards, park rangers will assist educators in teaching students about how slavery was the cause of the Civil War. A brief discussion about why the Shenandoah Valley was so important for both the United States and the Confederacy.
Civil War Armies and Leadership
Following Virginia state standards, students will learn about the leadership of Civil War armies, including the generals at Cedar Creek. Using different colored wooden pegs, students will learn the differences between infantry, cavalry, and artillery.
Set Up
Using their new knowledge of military strucutre, the students will work together to place wooden pegs on the interactive map to represent Federal and Confederate positions. If you were in command, what would you do?
Battle of Cedar Creek
Primary source documents are examined as students learn about the different battle phases. Corresponding movements are made by the students on their interactive map. Civilian perspectives of the battle are also included.
Conclusion
The Federal victory at Cedar Creek eneded Confederate resistance in the Shenandoah Valley. Coming just thee weeks before the presidentital election, news of the victory boosted morale in the Northern states and helped carry Abraham Lincoln to a landslide reelection. Why do you think this history is important?
Last updated: June 26, 2024