Name:_________________________
Period: _______________
US Civil War Project
Grade Social StudiesSprington Lake Middle School
7th
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 individual. 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).
4. Photo Album & description of the many photos taken during the Civil War
(Photo-Journalism):
Compile a book of photographs of different events during the Civil War. Write a
description for each photo. 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. Example: you could have pages
of pictures by various topics: battles, people, leaders of the Civil War, etc.. 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 video tape 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. The Food and Culture of the Civil War:
Research 10 different types of recipes or popular foods from the Civil War. Type out the
recipes and research the uses of food and slang terms used for food during the Civil War.
Example- “hardtack” was a type of biscuit eaten by soldiers during the war. Type out all
of the recipes and uses for the food- put it together in a folder or create a Civil War
Recipe Book. Bring in at least 1 type of food to share with the class for your
presentation- yum!!!!
Process:
The students will create presentations with information from his/her project as a guide.
They must be complete (see rubric for each product) and be accompanied by a visualpostcard, 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 found on the
different colored sheets in the library. This should be typed and stapled to the back
of your project.
Due Date: _______________________________________
Student Signature:__________________________________
Parent Signature:___________________________________
Please return by:____________________________________