Fort Smith National Historic Site - Lesson Plans & Teacher Guides (U.S. National Park Service)

The park has a series of hands-on lesson plans developed for grades K-8 and tied into Arkansas curriculum standards for Social Studies, Language Arts, and Fine Arts. They are currently being updated to correspond with the 2007 Arkansas Social Studies frameworks. Check this site often for newly added lesson plans.

Click on the title to download the lesson plans. (You will need Adobe Reader).

two children holding their Osage ribbon designs

OSAGE RIBBONWORK
Children will learn about the tradition of Osage ribbonwork and create their own design using paper. Hands-on lesson includes curriculum standards for Arkansas Social Studies and Fine Arts (K-6) and modifications for children of different ages and those with physical and/or developmental limitations.
Templates for ribbonwork

detail of envelope written by Judge Parker

ANALYZING A HISTORIC LETTER
Students will read and analyze a letter written from Judge Parker to Master Argile Langston, son of a juror. Extended activities include discussion of jury duty and calculation of jurors' fees. Ties into curriculum standards for Arkansas Social Studies, Language Arts, and Mathematics, grades 4-6.

Additional resource material:
Criminal Case Procedure in Judge Parker's Court

Railroad timetable

CIVIL WAR QUILTS
Using newspaper references, students will learn how women contributed to the war effort. Hands-on activity included in lesson plan. Ties into Arkansas Social Studies, Mathematics, and Fine Arts curriculum standards, K-6.
Arkansas newspaper references to blankets, quilts, and comforts during Civil War

inset photo of Parker on photo of courtroom

"DO EQUAL AND EXACT JUSTICE..." MOCK TRIAL
Students can participate in a structured courtroom experience using one of the cases heard by Judge Parker. The lesson includes a handbook on how to conduct a mock trial as well as suggestions for additional activities. Ties into Arkansas Social Studies curriculum standards, grades 7-12.

Additional resource material:
Handbook for Conducting Mock Trial

Background Information for Audience