Civil War Extension Activities

Dear Parents,

We are starting our study of the American Civil War and Underground Railroad. In class we plan on learning about the major causes for this war, what life was like back then, and basics of the war. Also we will look into the Underground Railroad learning about the Conductors, routes, and dangers. Finally we will take our own “trip” on the Railroad as escaped slaves.

Therefore this project is meant to give the students a deeper understanding of one of the leaders involved in the war. Students will research their lives including how they grew up, their education, and their jobs prior to the war, and what led them on the path to becoming a Civil War Hero. Also students will learn facts about the war and specific battles they were in. Finally the students will research what happened to this individual after the war. Students will display their information through innovative projects and share it to the class by dressing up like the leader they chose and telling him.

After reviewing the activities please return this page so I am aware your child will be working on this project. I will help provide resources as needed to support their learning.

I would like to do these activities: ______

(Student Signature)

I will support my child during these activities: ______

(Parent Signature)

  1. Choose between on of the following Civil War Leaders:
  • Clara Barton
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Jefferson Davis
  • Ulysses S. Grant
  • Robert E. Lee
  • Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson
  • William Sherman

If you have another Civil War leader in mind please let me know.

2. Childhood

Find out when and where he was born. What was is family like? Did he have brothers, or sisters? What were his parent’s names? Did he have any hobbies? And so on… Present this information is come creative way. Some examples could be: a “family” photo album, a family tree, a fake birth certificate, be creative!

3. Education

Did he go to school? If so where? What did he study? Did he finish school? Did he like school? And so on… You may choose your own way to present this information.

4. Jobs

What did this person do as a job? Were they always in the military? Did they do anything before the war, if so what? Present this information by bringing in something that represents that job. For example if he was a doctor than you could bring in a stethoscope.

5. The War

How did your person become a leader in the war? What made him choose the side he was on? Did he believe in those goals? What was a major event for him during this war? Did he give an important speech or fight a major battle? Research about this event and find out details to share with the class. Display this information with either a map of the battle with two paragraphs explaining it, OR write a “first hand” battle journal of what it was like to fight there and how they felt. If it was a speech, than write a “personal journal” of someone who gave or heard the speech and how they felt.

6. Afterward

Did your person ever get married? If so when and where? Did he have a family? Did he get another job after the war, if so what was it? If your person died during the war, how did he die? You may choose your own way to present this information.

7. Death

When, where and how did he die? Was he remembered with any monument, award or statue? Display this information by either: making a fake death certificate, or drawing a picture/making a model of his memorial.

8. Dress Up

To the best of your ability, dress up as your person. Also bring in your artifacts to share with the class.

I can’t wait to see what you do!