Guest Speakers

Explore Your Park!

Grade Level:
Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
Subject:
Social Studies
State Standards:
VS.4a Explaining the importance of agriculture. 

VS.4b Examining how colonial Virginia reflected the culture of Indigenous Peoples, European immigrants, and Africans. 

VS.7b Describing how the institution of slavery was the cause of the Civil War.

Essential Questions: 

  • What resources does Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park protect and interpret? 
  • Why is it important to learn about the people and places of the Shenandoah Valley before, during, and after the Civil War? 
  • What was it like to be a soldier in the Shenandoah Valley? 
  • How can I continue to learn about this history, and participate in its preservation? 

Objective: 

This park ranger-led classroom program is designed for 4th grade students. They will learn about the National Park Service, their local national park (Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park), and the people and events of the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley. Students will have the opportunity to engage with a hands-on activity about Civil War uniforms and camp equipment. 

Every Kid Outdoors 4th grade access passes will be given to teachers by park rangers to ensure proper distribution among students. 

Teacher Information: 

The purpose of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park is to preserve, protect, and interpret a nationally significant Civil War landscape and antebellum agricultural community; to tell the rich story of Shenandoah Valley history from early Native American occupation onward; to preserve and interpret the significant historic, natural, cultural, military, and scenic resources associated with the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove Plantation. 

The park serves as a focal point within the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District to recognize and interpret important Civil War events, including the key battles and campaigns of 1862 and 1864. 

Preparation: 

This program is designed to be presented on-site at a school classroom, library, or community space. Program duration is 1-hour. Park rangers will need access to a computer monitor or smart board to display a powerpoint slideshow. 

Park rangers will need a table that students can gather around to display the Civil War soldier uniform and equipment items. 

Teachers should register their students for the Every Kid Outdoors 4th grader pass ahead of time, following the emailed instructions from park rangers. During the program, physical passes will be given to the teacher. Teachers will write the student's name on their pass using a fine-tip marker and distribute. 

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. Why is there a national park in the Shenandoah Valley? Time estimate: 10-15 minutes. 

Settlement of the Shenandoah Valley
Following Virginia state standards, a conversation about the different people and communities who lived in the Shenandoah Valley. This includes Native Americans, European setters, and enslaved laborers. Time estimate: 15-20 minutes. 

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. Time estimate: 15-20 minutes. 

Soldier Demonstration
This hands-on inquiry activity will introduce the students to historical reproductions of civil war uniforms that soldiers wore. Park rangers will facilitate a discussion with students, and encourage them to ask questions and wonder about the different items. Time estimate: 10-15 minutes. 

Conclusion
Students will be given a junior ranger worksheet to complete, an opportunity to critically think about and reflect on about the content of the park ranger program. If time allows this worksheet can be completed during the program, with a discussion about answers led by the park-ranger. Alternatively, the teacher can use it as a follow-up activity or homework at another time. Time estimate: 10 minutes.

Every Kid Outdoors passes are distributed to students to allow them and their families the opportunity to explore federal public lands and participate shaping stories of national significance.


 

Tags: civil war civil war education cedar creek and belle grove national historical park shenandoah valley battlefields national historic district

Last updated: June 26, 2024