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Across Five Aprils

by Irene Hunt

A 5^th Grade WebQuest on the Civil War

Designed by Mrs. Sluszka

As you read the novel Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt did you wonder what life was like during the Civil War? Did you wonder what it was like to be a Civil War soldier? Enter this quest into the past and explore. You can become an historical expert of this time period in history.

Task:

Within your group, your task will be to research your assigned role and report your findings. During your exploration, you will look at the Civil War, a very difficult period of American History.

Resources:

http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/civilwar/cwar.htm

http://www.homepages.dsu.edu/jankej/civilwar/civilwar.htm

http://cps.k12.mi.us/time.htm

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwphtml/cwphome.html

http://education.ucdavis.edu/NEW/STC/lesson/socstud/railroad/emanc.htm

http://johnsmilitaryhistory.tripod.com/cwvirtual.html

http://education.ucdavis.edu/NEW/STC/lesson/socstud/railroad/Lincoln.htm

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/lincolns/slavery/qt_aasouth.html

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwphtml/tl1861.html

http://www.state.la.us/about_plantations.htm

Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt

Step 1:

Assume the role of a Confederate or a Union soldier. Once you have assumed your role,

read some background information at:

http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/civilwar/cwar.htm

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/lincolns/slavery/qt_aasouth.html

Create a timeline of the Civil War.

Step 2:

Research the life of a soldier at:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/lincolns/slavery/qt_aasouth.html.

Click on Americans at War and The Foot Soldier. Look for information about what they ate, how they slept, how they spent their time, and how they felt about their lives. Write a “letter home” from a Confederate or Union soldier. The letter should include examples of typical examples of daily life and experiences in the war. Your letter should look like an authentic document with real experiences noted.

Step 3:

View the information at :

http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/civilwar/cwar.htm

Select one of the activities at this website. On a separate piece of paper complete the activity.

Step 4:

"Hey, Ranger!" Gettysburg National Military Park's Civil War Page For Kids!

Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park’s Civil War for Kids page:

http://www.nps.gov/gett/gettkidz/kidzindex.htm

On a separate piece of paper, answer the questions from the twenty-question challenge.

Evaluation:

Group Name	Beginning 1 (10 pts)	Developing 2 (15 pts)	Accomplished 3 (20 pts)	Exemplary 4 (25 pts)	Student Comments	Teacher Comments
Accuracy of information, neatness, and organization	Level of information presented indicates minimal effort.	Level of information presented does not indicate mastery	Level of information presented indicates good mastery.	Level of information presented indicates exceptionally high mastery.
Accuracy of historical portrayal of roles	Level of information presented indicates minimal effort.	Level of information presented does not indicate mastery	Level of information presented indicates good mastery.	Level of information presented indicates exceptionally high mastery.
Evidence of group collaboration	Level of information presented indicates minimal effort.	Level of information presented does not indicate mastery	Level of information presented indicates good mastery.	Level of information presented indicates exceptionally high mastery.
Grammar, spelling, format, punctuation	Level of information presented indicates minimal effort.	Level of information presented does not indicate mastery	Level of information presented indicates good mastery.	Level of information presented indicates exceptionally high mastery.
Total Points	.	.	.	.	.	.
.	.	.	.	.	Final Score	.

Conclusion:

On a separate piece of paper: Were you amazed at the living conditions of each of the soldiers? If you traveled back to the Civil War era, would you have been sympathetic to the Confederates or the Union army? Why?

If you enjoyed reading this historical Fiction book on the Civil War you might enjoy reading:

Shades of Gray by Reed

Turn Homeward Hanalee by Beatty

Amelia’s War by Rinaldi

Freedom Crossing by Goff Clark

Jump Ship to Freedom Collier

Pink and Say by Polacco

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