CIVIL WAR COMES TO LIFE
1861-1865
October 20, 2007
You are about to bring the Civil War to LIFE!!
As we read and explore the events of the Civil War 1861-1865, pick a person
you wish to learn more about. This person must be a true historical figure –
no fictional characters. Research your chosen historical person and prepare a
3 to 5 minute FIRST PERSON speech about your person’s life history. What
major contribution did your person make to the events of the Civil War? Did
they invent something, serve in the war, work as an abolitionist or give
another major contribution?
On Friday, November 13, you are required to come in some type of costume from
the time period that is appropriate for your historical person and give a
first person speech describing your historical person. Costumes could be as
simple as a paper hat or as elaborate as wigs and dresses. But some effort
must be made with regards to showing what your person may have looked like or
used during the 1800’s. Please do not bring in any weapons – real or toy. If
you character needs a gun or sword, please make it out of cardboard or paper.
Have fun with this project.
RUBRIC FOR CIVIL WAR PROJECT
Is the historical figure a nonfictional person from the Civil War?
1861-1865. MUST BE A REAL PERSON. 5
Was the topic well researched? In the written copy, all sources are
cited. Must have at least THREE sources. Specific Internet websites will work
as a source of information. 20
Was a written copy of the speech turned into the teacher in final
draft form? Pen or typed. If typed it may only be in 12 point font. 5
Did the final draft include a picture of the person? EXTRA Credit
I will scan, print or copy for you if necessary. 5
Was the speech organized?
(include birth date and place, family, education, life experiences,
historical contributions, death, unusual or little known facts included)
Why this person is famous must be included. 15
Was the speech 3 to 5 minutes long? 5
Did the audience learn more about the person from the person’s
perspective? Was the speech in FIRST PERSON? 10
Was the historical speaker in costume of some kind?
This could mean anything from carrying a lantern of the time, paper props or
full makeup and costumes. Make an effort. 20
Was the speech well prepared and rehearsed? Did the speaker know how
to pronounce every word? Were index cards used rather than reading from a
paper? Was most of the speech memorized? Did the speaker BECOME the
character? 10
Was the speech ON TIME DUE NOVEMBER 13 10
SS5H1The student will explain the causes, major events, and consequences of
the Civil War.
a. Identify Uncle Tom’s Cabin and John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry and
explain how each of these events was related to the Civil War.
b. Discuss how the issues of states’ rights and slavery increased tensions
between the North and South.
c. Identify major battles and campaigns: Fort Sumter, Gettysburg, the Atlanta
Campaign, Sherman’s March to the Sea, and Appomattox Court House.
d. Describe the roles of Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant,
Jefferson Davis, and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.
e. Describe the effects of war on the North and South.
