School News: George School (PA) Develops a Game to Teach About the Civil War
Summer 2018
The U.S. Civil War is a complex educational topic, with many different strands. To help students better understand the events before, during, and after the war, George School (PA) history teacher Sara Shreve-Price has developed a Civil War game for her U.S. history class.
The game is organized as a series of levels, each representing a period from 1844–1877. Students work through quests, obtaining points that lead to new badges and ranks. For example, students begin the game as a latrine digger and can work their way up the ranks to the presidency. Students work at their own pace, choosing what activities they pursue when—though some activities are required.
The quests include watching videos and answering questions, writing short answers and essays, and creating an illustrated timeline up to the Civil War. The lessons and quests are then reinforced through in-class group discussions.
Every assignment is an opportunity for students to build their knowledge and their grade. They are allowed to redo the quests as many times as they want and are encouraged to find ways to improve their own work.
“I really like that by learning this way it’s more interactive, and that I am constantly being quizzed and learning,” says student Lexie Osbourne. “Instead of having a lecture and then a discussion, this allows me to teach myself at my own pace.”
What’s happening at your school? Share your story with us at[email protected].