Activities and Engaging extensions that go beyond the battles!

Learning about the Civil War can sometimes be boring. Let’s face it. Most of us do not have the priority to major or minor in History. Some of us may be history buffs or have a fascination with history but overall, I’d say most of us do not prefer that over another hobby. This curriculum is designed for THREE boys who have very different in learning styles and personalities, I decided to go into fun extensions that would make history engaging, fun and bring a new perspective.

I was amazed at all the different aspects of the civil war that I never knew or learned about growing up.

Some Activities to Learn Beyond the Battles

Naval Battles & Submarines

WHAT: Most recall the Civil War consisting of bloody battles on lands across the Southern states. However, there was a very strong and effective battle occurring on the waterfront as the war raged. Ironclads and submarines were present all along the coasts and inland rivers for both Union and Confederate armies.

RESOURCES & TEXTS:

ACTIVITIES:

1. Draw a submarine from the Civil War and label it with the key elements of a submarine
2. Create a 3D submarine using everyday items such as cardboard and clay
3. Research a submarine and draft a newspaper article about it
4. Create a Venn Diagram on the different submarines past and present
5. Learn about buoyancy and boats with a science experiment about boats
6. Learn about codes sent in wartime – morse code

Spies of Civil War

WHAT: There are many unknown and exciting stories of spies in the Civil War. Both Confederate and Union allies supported the cause in the most unexpected ways including upper class women and detectives.

RESOURCES & TEXTS:

ACTIVITIES:

1. Create a Spy ID Card with fingerprint (Template Here)
2. Create a coded message for the Union or Confederate (Here’s link for help)
3. Create a fake identity background (use template)
4. Create a PowerPoint presentation of the spy and what they did (good lesson for computer skills, creativity and synthesizing info)

Travel Brochure

WHAT: A key focus on one location and one battle area. Allows for in depth research of one area and create a fun brochure that would encourage others to come to the battle site to learn about the time of the Civil War.

RESOURCES & TEXTS:

ACTIVITY:

1. Use Microsoft Word templates such as “brochure” template to create one
2. Use photos of Civil War battles specific to your choice battle

Cooking in Civil War

WHAT: Due to limited resources, many families were creative with their cooking so that any extra materials could go towards war efforts.

RESOURCES & TEXTS:

ACTIVITIES:

1. Choose a recipe from the books to create at home and discuss the pros/cons of the food taste, the materials needed and why they were cooking such items.
2. Compare/Contrast the food at home with the dried foods that soldiers often ate on the battlefields.

Clothing in Civil War

WHAT: Learn about the clothing during the 1800’s and create them.

RESOURCES & TEXTS:

ACTIVITIES:

1. Make a pattern from the book to learn sewing
2. Compare and contrast the clothing of Civil War and modern day
3. Discuss what resources/materials they had then and what we have now

Objects/Artifacts

WHAT: There are many artifacts that are long treasured after the Civil War. Trinkets and everyday items that we may never use again are found and uncovered. Studying them shows a piece of the past and how the people during this time survived with so little.

RESOURCES & TEXTS:

ACTIVITIES:

1. Mystery artifact game
   • Give student an image of a Civil War artifact without its label.
   • Make predictions about its use
   • List clues from its design
   • Reveal the description afterward and reflect
2. Create an artifact
   • Use materials from the 1860’s
   • Make it an item from civilian or soldier life
   • Use texts for reference if needed
3. Explore a museum (if you live near them) OR some offer VIRTUAL TOURS
   • Smithsonian Museum
   • National Park Service

Final Thoughts – THE WHY

The Civil War was a time known for deadly battles and inner fighting. However, there are also many aspects of the Civil War that are less known or discussed. There was a life lived outside of the battlefields including rationing materials, spying for the sides and everyday matters. These extensions allow the lesson to go beyond just the battles but also learn about the people, culture and society throughout those difficult years of the Civil War.