Farmer Goes to War:

Topics: Civil War; Social History; Agriculture; Technological Change
Suggested Grade Level: 3-8
Required Time: 45-120 minutes

Description:

Students will learn what being a Union soldier from Monroe County was like during the American Civil War—from the drudgery of drill to the horrors of battle.  Through hands-on activities and live demonstration, students will gain knowledge of:  uniforms and gear, weaponry and warfare, camp life and a soldier’s diet, death, disease, and sacrifice.  Students will hear stories of real war experiences, handle replicas of Civil War items, and participate in activities that a soldier would have (eg. military drill, packing one’s knapsack).

Goals:

• Personalize the Union soldier‘s experience for each student
• Broaden the understanding of Monroe County’s contribution to the “war against the rebellion”
• Identify what the Union soldier from Monroe County would have worn, carried, and used on a daily basis
• Appreciate the sacrifice of the citizen soldier
• Understand how family and farm life was affected by the men’s absence

Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies related to the program:

• SS.BH1:  Wisconsin Students will examine individual cognition, perception, behavior, and identity.
• SS.BH2:  Wisconsin students will investigate and interpret interactions between individuals and groups.
• SS.BH3:  Wisconsin students will assess the role that human behavior and cultures play in the development of social endeavors.
• SS.BH4:  Wisconsin students will examine the progression of specific forms of technology and their influence within various societies.
• SS.Econ1:  Wisconsin students use economic reasoning to understand issues.
• SS.Econ2:  Wisconsin students will analyze how decisions are made and interactions occur among individuals, households, and firms/businesses.
• SS.Econ4:  Wisconsin students will evaluate government decisions and their impact on individuals, businesses, markets, and resources.
• SS.Geog1 Wisconsin students will use geographic tools and ways of thinking to analyze the world.
• SS.Geog2:  Wisconsin students will analyze human movement and population patterns.
  SS.Geog3:  Wisconsin students will examine the impacts of global interconnections and relationships.
• SS.Geog4:  Wisconsin students will evaluate the relationship between identity and place.
• SS.Geog5:  Wisconsin students will evaluate the relationship between humans and the environment.
• SS.Hist1:  Wisconsin students will use historical evidence for determining cause and effect.
• SS.Hist2:  Wisconsin students will analyze, recognize, and evaluate patterns of continuity and change over time and contextualization of historical events.
• SS.Hist3:  Wisconsin students will connect past events, people, and ideas to the present; use different perspectives to draw conclusions; and suggest current implications.
• SS.PS2:  Wisconsin students will examine and interpret rights, privileges, and responsibilities in society.