Intel Essentials Spring 2009

Within each community, cemeteries are among the most fascinating, richest, and often the most neglected sources of historical information. The age of the community, its ethnic composition and the impact made by immigration can be determined by "reading" gravestones. The style of headstones, the symbolism of their art, and their inscriptions reflect religious beliefs, social class and values, as well as cultural change over time. The cemetery field trip and the related classroom activities described in this lesson will allow students to tap this source of information and thus gain a better understanding of their community.

Cemeteries are wonderful teaching tools. A cemetery is an outdoor history museum, wildlife refuge, botanical garden and art gallery. They are easily accessible and interdisciplinary. In this cemetery exploration, students will use their skills in social studies, science, art, math, history and language arts. The purpose of studying a cemetery is to encourage an appreciation of its unique historical significance. History "comes alive" when students realize that the people buried there actually lived and helped make their community what it is today.

By studying the ages, names, symbols and epitaphs in a cemetery, students can learn about their community's ethnic, cultural, religious and historical background. A cemetery is a tangible link to the past, and a place that is sacred. When students understand the importance of cemeteries, they are more likely to become adults who will participate in the responsible conservation of cemeteries in their communities.

I want to … Utilize web 2.0 tools (wikis, blogs) more effectively in lesson design Enhance my instructional design skills to include a more constructivist approach to teaching

I want my students… To become independent learners To be responsible for monitoring their own learning To be able work cooperatively with others To realize that learning can occur in a variety of situations To realize that learning is not an isolated event…there are interconnections between different subjects To utilize skills learned in the classroom in a real world situation

By pre-assessing my students’ skills… I will know their needs with regard to specific academic skills in math, social studies, language arts, and science I will know their attitudes toward the project I am presenting

Essential Question: How is the future shaped by the past and the present?

Unit Questions What information can be found from a cemetery? How can this information teach us about our community? What can we learn from cemeteries? Can tombstone symbology give us clues to people’s histories?

Content Questions Who are some of the prominent people buried in our community’s cemetery? In what time periods do the cemetery’s graves fit? What were the dates of the earliest graves? What do symbols on tombstones mean? Make inferences about our community based on the data you collected. What materials were used in the making of the tombstones.

What do I want to learn from my students? How will the assessment information help me and my students plan? What feedback/additional ideas would I like?