The American Civil War Officially Ends: A General Learning Lesson Plan

Lesson Details

This lesson plan is designed for a high school history class and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. The lesson will cover the events leading up to the end of the American Civil War, the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, and the impact of the war on the United States.

Learning Outcomes

• Know the key events leading up to the end of the American Civil War.
• Understand the significance of General Robert E. Lee's surrender.
• Can explain the impact of the Civil War on the United States.

Methodology

The lesson will begin with a brief lecture on the events leading up to the end of the Civil War. Students will then work in small groups to analyze primary source documents related to General Lee's surrender. Finally, the class will come together for a discussion on the impact of the Civil War on the United States.

Resources/Materials

• Textbook readings on the Civil War
• Primary source documents related to General Lee's surrender
• Whiteboard and markers

Activities

• Lecture on the events leading up to the end of the Civil War (20 minutes)
• Small group analysis of primary source documents related to General Lee's surrender (30 minutes)
• Class discussion on the impact of the Civil War on the United States (40 minutes)

Assessment

Assessment will be based on participation in the small group analysis and class discussion. Students will also be given a short written assignment to complete after the lesson, in which they will be asked to explain the significance of General Lee's surrender.