Last updated: July 21, 2020
Lesson Plan
Linear Formation of Cowpens
- Grade Level:
- High School: Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
- Subject:
- Math
- Lesson Duration:
- 30 Minutes
- Common Core Standards:
- A.CED.4, F.IF.7.c
- Thinking Skills:
- Applying: Apply an abstract idea in a concrete situation to solve a problem or relate it to a prior experience. Analyzing: Break down a concept or idea into parts and show the relationships among the parts.
Essential Question
How were the men strategically placed to begin the battle of Cowpens?
Objective
Deepen their understanding of linear function with an example from American history
Background
The students need to understand how to read a graph in order to write an equation. Additionally, they should be familiar with how to restrict the domain of a linear function. There is an extension to explore linear formation pros and cons. The massed volley firing correlated to lower casualties inflicted. Skilled marksmanship or bold heroics were not needed preferably the tactic relied on disciplined and rigorously trained soldiers with massive amounts of firepower. The close linear formations became more open lines because of the rifle and the wooded American terrain. It allowed the line of march to not split when passing obstacles.
Preparation
Ruler, (optional) Graphing Calculator, Park Brochure (Extension activity)
Materials
Given a graph create the equations and restrictions to model the battle.
Download Cowpens Lines Worksheet
Procedure
Step One: Introduce the idea of linear formation in war
Step Two: Present the Cowpens battlefield
Step Three: Give time for studnets to comlete their own graphs
Step Four: Compare lines and restrictions of all students
(optional) Step Five: Explore the tactics of other battles
Vocabulary
Linear function, Domain Restriction, Piecewise Function
Enrichment Activities
If a students is a high achiever they can graph all the lines of the battle including the sharpshooters and Tarleton’s army.