Fun activities for teaching the American Civil War.?

Question

I have to teach my 8th grade honors class on the beginning of the Civil War. They are really a crazy class and I need a fun activity to teach them and keep them from exploding. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer 1

YOU WILL LOVE THIS!!!!!

my grade 8 history teacher like makes EVERYTHING fun, so i can't wait to tell you..

okay.

Never ever make students read more then 5 pages.. EVER.. lol.

okay.. so summerize some stuff.

and tell them

make everyone stand up and ..

in order to get your seat back... you must answer a question about the civil war... pretty neat eh?

I looved it.. =]

Answer 2

I would have them label and color a map, one color for the Confederacy, another for the Union, so they get an idea of the division between the North and South.

It's a good starter activity, especially for the Civil War.

Good luck!

Answer 3

First you teach them about it. Then have them get in groups and reinact in. (Maybe even outside). Grade them on how accurate they are with the events that ACTUALLY happened.. compared to the events they acted out.

Answer 4

razor your activity is horrible.  That is boring and just busy work.  Id have the kids create a skit and act out a battle in the civil war so they actually learn something.  Or have them make a movie or somethin fun like that dude.  give them a selection

Answer 5

We linked the Civil War with community service and made yarn dolls for children in a shelter.  We studied a bit about handmade dolls and they loved being able to give them away :o) (Of course that was just a small part of the unit!)