3. Civil War Soldier A park ranger will discuss the life and times of a typical Civil War soldier. Clothing, leather gear and other items are passed out for the students to examine. Depending on weather and available staff, this activity may include a black powder musket firing demonstration by one of the park rangers. This has less hands-on experience than in activities #1 and #2, but is a better program for large groups and younger students. In case of bad weather, this program can be done inside (without the firing demonstration). Group size: Up to 100 students. (3rd to 5th grade) Time: 30 minutes.
4. Angels of the Battlefield This is a role-playing activity. Students will re-create the Battle of Antietam. Students will discuss how they would feel before and during the battle, and about the care they received afterwards. They will also dramatize medical care, field hospitals, and Clara Barton's role as a nurse. In case of bad weather, a modified version of this program can be inside the Mumma Barn. Group size: 30 - 100 students. (5th to 8th grade) Time: 45 - 60 minutes.
5. Battlefield in a Box A ranger will lay out a large map on the ground that shows the roads, bridges and other features of the battlefield. Groups of students can be moved around the map to illustrate the movements of troops during the battle. This provides a good overview of the battle. A short version of this program can be done indoors in case of bad weather. This program can be modified for more advanced groups such as college students and elder hostel groups. Group size: Up to 75 students. (6th grade and older) Time: 45 minutes.
6. Mumma Cemetery Exploration A ranger will lead the group to the Mumma Family Cemetery where students will work individually or in pairs to observe the cemetery and tombstones and answer questions on a worksheet. Afterwards the group will discuss what they have learned with the ranger. In case of bad weather this activity cannot be done inside. Group size: Up to 50 students. (5th-8th grade) Time: 30-45 minutes. Click here for the Mumma Cemetery Exploration Worksheet.
7. Sounds of Antietam This activity helps students visualize the events that occurred during many Civil War battles by adding sound effects to a narrative. Students are given "sound" cards, and make those sounds when cued by the ranger or teacher while s/he reads a narrative. This activity can be done inside in case of bad weather. Group size: Up to 50 students. (5th-8th grade) Time: 30 minutes.
8. Mumma & Roulette Farms Trail: This hiking trail combines social studies and science. Topics include the aftermath of the battle of Antietam, slavery, soil formation, elements of the ecosystem, water cycle, food chains, decomposition, succession, watershed, riparian restoration, battlefield preservation, and many more topics. Teachers can choose what topics to cover with students. This trail is designed as a teacher led activity. (Depending on group size and staffing, rangers may be available to lead this activity). Teachers are provided with an easy to use trail guide, map, laminated photos, and other teaching aids. The trail is about one mile long and is not wheelchair accessible. Students are encouraged to wear sturdy walking shoes and to dress for the weather. Group size: Up to 30 students per group. (Larger groups can be divided into smaller groups for walking the trail as long as there are at least two adults per group). (5th grade and over) Time: 1 to 1 ½ hours.
THERE ARE PRIMARILY THREE PHYSICAL AREAS THAT WILL INTEREST YOU:
1. Antietam National Battlefield Mumma Farm Education Center: All education programs take place at this facility located at the historic Mumma Farm. The classroom is available for watching the video, "Antietam Visit", a 26-minute film on the battle. For students above 7th grade the one hour "Antietam Documentary" is also available.