Virtual Atlas Education

http:www.evergreen.edu./user/virtatpnw/

Lesson Seven

(This one needs a link to historic cemeteries and genealogy sites)

Historic Cemetery Project

Purpose:

To develop a sense of history about a particular community and place. Begin understanding that people who live in a place change it and are changed by it, then leave their final mark. A local cemetery is one record of human habitation.

Objectives:

1. To practice teamwork, cooperation, and communication in a group project.
2. Make a personal connection with the geographic history of a community.

Related Washington state EALRs:

History

2.1.investigate and research use sources of information such as historical documents, eyewitness accounts, photos, works of art, letters, and artifacts investigate and research-use sources of information such as historical to investigate and understand historic occurrences

2.3. synthesize information and reflect on findings

Geography

1.1. use and construct maps, charts, and other resources to gather and interpret geographic information

National Geography Standards:

2. How to use mental maps to organize information about people, places, and environments in a spatial context

17. How to apply geography to interpret the past

Curriculum Connections:

History, social studies, presentation skills, teamwork, communication and cooperation.

Length of Time Required:

A half-day field trip, one to three hours of online research, one or two hours of presentation planning and preparation, five to ten minutes for each groups presentation.

Materials:

1. Two by three foot sheet of paper to make the rubbing on

2. Crayons for rubbing

3. Note pad and writing instrument

4. Approved access to a long established cemetery

Procedure:

Step 1: Share Photographs or Internet images of monuments erected to people who have passed on, the pyramids in Egypt, the Taj Mahal, etc.

Step 2: A discussion of history in the region around the cemetery.

Step 3. Divide students into groups of 3-5, hand out materials and task instructions before embarking on the field trip. (Note instructions may need to be modified slightly for your cemetery.) Be sure to impress upon students to be respectful of the graves.

Step 4. Make time online available for research and group time for presentation planing.

Step 5. Make time available for presentation.

Conclusion:

A look into local history may give students a feeling of being connected to their community and spark interest.

Key Vocabulary:

History – a branch of knowledge that records and explains past events

Monument – a burial vault, a lasting evidence, reminder, or example of someone or something…

Go to Student Instruction Sheet