Community Resource PresentationMethods of Teaching Social Studies

Dr. Silvis

Importance of Gettysburg in American History“Explain the importance of significant historical documents,

artifacts, and places critical to United States history.”– PA History Standard 8.3.6.B.

Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center • Start your visit to Gettysburg here. Admission to

the Visitor Center ($12.50) includes:– Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War– Cyclorama of Pickett’s Charge– Film, “New Birth of Freedom”

• Entrance to the Gettysburg Battlefield is free

Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War

• Exhibits of Civil War artifacts – Arranged in 12

galleries, related to phrases from the Gettysburg Address

– Great primary sources– Various perspectives

for a multicultural curriculum

Cyclorama of Pickett’s Charge

Teacher Resources – Plan a Field Trip• Best Field Trip Ever! Planner – Sections for teachers, chaperones, and students– Checklists to help organize the field trip– Special rates for student groups

• $8 for film, museum, and cyclorama student group packages– Hands-on museum activity packages in January/February– Free ranger-led student programs

• Battlefield Footsteps incorporates character education• Civil War Perspectives includes role-playing, primary sources, and

hands-on activities• Programs are booked in September for the entire school year…BOOK

EARLY!– Museum Scavenger Hunt guides– Pre-visit and post-visit lesson ideas and activities

• Connections to a variety of subject areas

Other Teacher Resources• Curriculum Materials– Access primary sources, related to the perspective of

slaves during the Civil War (multicultural curriculum)– Activities that encourage students to DO History

• Traveling Trunks– Can reserve “trunks” to be shipped to your school!– Traveling Trunk Guide Book for Teachers• This guide has a lot of great information, even if you do not

reserve a trunk.

• Professional Development– Attend a Workshop for Teachers

Websites for more information about the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center• National Park Service Website: – www.nps.gov/gett

• Gettysburg Foundation Website– www.gettysburgfoundation.org