The United States Civil War Project (Differentiated Instruction)
Name:______Period: ______
US Civil War Project
7th Grade Social Studies-
Springton Lake Middle School
Objective: The students will conduct research on the culture, food, music, and historical figures of the United States Civil War. Students will research different topics that explain cultural aspects surrounding the Civil War. This research will give the students a better understanding as to the culture and daily experience of people living during the American Civil War.
Assignment: Each student will choose a different topic to complete on the Civil War. The project can be in the form of a travel brochure, postcard, newsletter, photo album, historical interview, musical display, or discussion and tasting of the food during the Civil War.
Physical Product: The finished product and mode of the presentation will be the decision of each pair of students. Students can choose from one of the following:
1-3. Travel Brochure, Postcard, or Newsletter of a Battle:
-(Brochure)Using Microsoft Word/ Publisher, students can create a brochure encouraging people to visit the battlefield in the present day. It should contain details of the battle as well as images related to the battle.
-(Postcard) Create a series of 4 postcards from the battlefield(s) as they might appear from a Union or Confederate soldier during the Civil War. The postcard should have an image on the front and an organized bulleted list of facts on the back.
-(Newsletter) create a newsletter containing important details of the battle and images related to the battle. This is as if you witnessed the battle and are giving a first hand account (narrative piece- one page). Hint: The National Park Service website is an excellent place to start.
4. Photo Album & description of the many photos taken during the Civil War of women, Native Americans and/or African American soldiers.
(Photo-Journalism):
Compile a book of photographs of different events during the Civil War. Write a description for each photo (at least 4 sentences). Since photography was available during the Civil War, there are hundreds of photos available online and in books from the Civil War. Each page should be organized in a chronological or thematic way. There should be 10 pages and at least 20 pictures with captions of the Civil War (2 pictures/page).
5. Historical Interview of an important figure of the Civil War:
Choose an individual who would be appropriate to interview from the Civil War. Write a list of 15 questions that you would ask your historical figure. Have a well thought out responses ready and typed out. You and another student need to dress up in appropriate costume and film the interview. The answers to the questions should reflect the historical life of the individual and it should aim for historical accuracy.
6. Music of the Civil War:
There were many different types of music and songs written during the Civil War. Research the different songs and musical genres of the period. Find recordings of these tunes and write a log about each piece of music and how it affected the people during the Civil War. Discuss the meanings of the lyrics in your logs and include historical details about the Civil War. You should include African American spirituals and both Confederate and Union music. You should have a total of 10 songs and find out who wrote the songs, and what effects the song or musical genre had on people during the Civil War. A paragraph should be written for each song- please type. Have some music available for the presentation. Be ready to present at least 2 of the songs.
7. Civil War Medal of Honor- The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War .The recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Due to the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously. Research a Medal of Honor recipient. Create a medal with at least four symbols that reflects what they did to earn the award. Write at least 500 words telling the tale of this person and their valor.
8. Civil War Medicine:
Research the impact of Civil War medicine on the modern medical world. What were some techniques and innovations that were used on the battlefield and hospitals? Create a diorama or poster depicting one of these techniques or innovations. Include typed labels and brief explanations in your own words. Present your findings to the class.
Process:
The students will create presentations with information from his/her project as a guide. They must be complete and be accompanied by a visual- postcard, newsletter, brochure, costume for interview, recipe book, photo album, etc…
Research:
All students are expected to do research. We will have several class periods to conduct research which will include books, internet resources (both databases & websites).
All students are expected to CITE all sources using MLA format with examples found on the school library site or . This should be typed and stapled to the back of your project.
Due Date: ______
Student Signature:______
Parent Signature:______
Please return by:______