Hunting for Battles!

Taking a break from doing some research for our social history research project, we started to analyze a variety of battles in class. However, because there were numerous battles, each person received their own battle in which they would have to research and collect information regarding their particular battle. Once each person had all the information on their battle, we created an informational  google doc to share with others. In order for each student to gain information on each battle, our teacher assigned a scavenger hunt. But, this wasn't just a regular scavenger, but one that was created by us, the students. Using our battles, we created a QR code which linked to our google doc. To start the scavenger hunt, we printed out our QR codes and posted them around the school for each other to find and collect information from. This way, we learned about all the battles, but in a fun and different way. After all students had information about the battles, we collaborated on Padlet and answered the essential questions for this lesson. (A link to our class padlet can be found below!)We were asked the questions,"Who was the ultimate victor in each of the theaters of war: East, West, Naval?" and "What are some commonalities you can identify in the reasons for the results of the battles." This process of the scavenger hunt seems very confusing, however, it was an active and creative way to learn.

My QR code to my battle!

                                                    

In regards to the first essential question, looking at the padlet, it is evident that there was a clear winner for all theaters mentioned. For the majority of the time, the confederates were the winners for the eastern theater, the union was the winner for the western theater as well as the Naval. Looking at the battles such as the second battle of Bull Run and the battle of Chickamauga. The confederates won most of the battles by ambushes and and a variety of military strategies. Also, most of the military schools were situated in the south, so most of the graduates were confederates and fought with the confederate armies. The union won in the western theater because of their military supplies and manufacturing. Additionally, in a variety of battles, the union army greatly outnumbered the confederate army. This is shown in her battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Fort Henry. Additionally, the union clearly dominated with strong recruits and an abundance of ammunition. For the naval theater, although some of the battles such as the the Battle of Hampton Roads were inconclusive, the union was the ultimate victor. The union had the bigger armed and this is shown in her battle of Hampton Roads and the Surrender of Fort Donelson.

 

Throughout the battles, there were many commonalities and similarities that contributed to the outcome of the battles. I noticed that the amount of soldiers in the battles between the two sides were very different, either numerous more soldiers or much less. This is shown in the battles of Fort Sumter, the surrender of Fort Donelson, and the battle of Shiloh. Another commonality was the number of casualties. In the Appomattox campaign, the union was the fictor because the confederate soldiers were running low of food. This allowed for Union soldiers to catch up to the fleeing southerners. Additionally, in the Siege of Vicksburg, the confederates had to surrender because they ran out of supplies, therefore they could not defend themselves.

 

Created with Padlet

 This is the Padlet created by my class, and it is clear that this helped answer the essential questions.

 

 Overall, I really enjoyed making this scavenger hunt and running around the school finding the numerous battles. Although it was somewhat tiring, it was a different and unique way to gain information on the battles and have fun at the same time! In my opinion, I would definitely like to do more activities like this scavenger hunt, as it is a break from sitting and learning in our seats. I also enjoyed the scavenger hunt because it was something that all students created, which made it even more interesting to participate in.