Activity Overview
Investigation and inquiry are important tools in developing solid historical thinking skills. There are numerous battles of the Civil War for students to explore and investigate independently. Students can independently research various battles for their significance and outcomes and present their findings in storyboards.
By following a simple graphic organizer created from a traditional storyboard, students will have the tools to successfully evaluate a Civil War battle. The activity will have students effectively evaluating what happened during the battle, why decisions were made, and the long-term results of the event. Check out this example on the Battle of Gettysburg.
Students should answer the following questions:
- BACKGROUND of the Battle of Gettysburg.
- WHO was involved in the Battle of Gettsyburg?
- WHY did the Battle of Gettysburg occur?
- WHAT happened during the Battle of Gettysburg?
- WHERE did the Battle of Gettysburg take place?
- What were the RESULTS of the Battle of Gettysburg?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing the Battle of Gettysburg.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each title box, ask Who, What, When, Where, Why, and Results.
- In the descriptions, write the answers to each of those questions.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How To Conduct Debates and Discussions on Wars
Give a Brief Introduction
Before starting a debate, teachers can provide students with a brief introduction to the topic and how to conduct a debate. Since some students will be participating for the first time it is important to make them familiar with the basic rules.
Make Teams
Divide the class into two groups and choose any specific event for discussion such as The US Civil War. Teachers can use the basic formula of “For” and “Against” to make the teams. In this case, one team will be representing the South and the other will be representing the North. Teachers can also give the students an option to pick their own teams but with the rule that each side has equal members.
Assign Tasks
Encourage the students to assign tasks among themselves. Such as who will be part of conducting research, who will note down the arguments, etc. Tell them that debates are teamwork and if they want to succeed, they should all be on the same page.
Introduce Rebuttals
Introduce students to the concept of rebuttals and how they can tackle this part. This them some time and practice to understand this. Teachers can also show some sample debating videos in the class so students are already aware beforehand of what they need to do.
Nurture a Safe Environment
Since discussions on wars can get heated, always remind the students to be respectful and use logic to defend their arguments.
Debating Various Aspects
Discuss a range of war-related topics across time, such as tactics, morals, diplomacy, or outcomes. A well-rounded understanding of conflicts and their intricacies will be possible because of this diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Battle of Gettysburg
What was the Gettysburg Battle?
Between July 1 and July 3, 1863, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, an important battle known as the Battle of Gettysburg was fought.
How significant was the Battle of Gettysburg?
The Civil War's course was altered at the Battle of Gettysburg, making it extremely impactful. The Union victory raised Northern morale and slowed General Robert E. Lee's progress into the North.
Who led the battle as the main commander?
Generals George G. Meade (North) and Robert E. Lee (South) led their respective armies in the conflict.
How did the combat affect how the war turned out?
The Union win improved Northern morale, and the Confederate setback at Gettysburg hampered the Confederate offensive powers. This changed the tide in favor of the Union and eventually resulted in Confederate capitulation.
More Storyboard That Activities
History of the US Civil War
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