Learn Like a 4th Grader with National Park Partners
Jennifer Crutchfield, Community Engagement and Education program manager
2022 Fall Break Camp featured field trips to landmark sites that connect past, present, and future. Photo courtesy of National Park Partners, c.2022
Did you know that across the country, from Tennessee to Texas, 4th grade students are learning about the history of the United States in their social studies curriculum? They are exploring the early development of democratic institutions, the formation of a national government, the growth of the nation, and times of division in our country. Students learn to use primary source documents, geographic tools, analysis, and critical thinking as related to this very important part of U.S. history.
Now, think about the history of the Tennessee Valley, the parks, public lands, cultural attractions, and powerful personages from the past that are so accessible throughout our community. This area is replete with easy places to visit that interpret the lessons from our history and help them come alive for students, families, and the community.
From Chickamauga Battlefield and the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District to the historic heights at Missionary Ridge, Orchard Knob, Signal Point, and Lookout Mountain Battlefield (including Point Park), the National Park Service is our most engaging outside classroom. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park protects, preserves, and interprets the thousands of years of habitation in the region and National Park Partners (NPP) received an Open OutDoors for Kids grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF) to connect students, families, and the community to the rich history of the region.
Community field trips connect places students recognize to the history they are learning, making past and present part of the same story. Photo courtesy of National Park Partners c.2022
Last October, our Open OutDoors for Kids project hosted a Fall Break camp for area 4th grade students and celebrated history with a MAINX24 float and community engagement activity honoring “Legends of Chattanooga.” Students learned about Sequoyah’s invention of the Cherokee syllabary, the leadership of both Chief Dragging Canoe and Nancy Ward and explored lessons about Ross’s Landing, Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, Brown’s Tavern and Audubon Acres - each of these timeless places reflecting an important part of American history.
They were inspired by the stories of Mary Edwards Walker, her heroic acts under fire at Chickamauga Battlefield, and her place in history as the only woman to receive the Medal of Honor. The story of Jacob Cummings and his triumphant journey North to freedom from Moccasin Bend helped students understand how their city connects to the National Underground Railroad Network of Freedom. Mary Walker’s determination to read taught them the power of learning and the value of education.
Students learned from local figures through presentations and conversations with John Edwards, III; Moses Freeman; Franklin McCallie; Shane Morrow; Norton Wheeler, and Fenessa Brewer from the George Hunter Foundation. In a particularly poignant moment, students broke into song as war hero, publisher, and presenter John Edwards talked about singing “We Shall Overcome” during a march with civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Being able to contextualize a lesson can ignited a spark, connecting history and the past to today and tomorrow. Barbara Palko, a local grandmother, said, “my girls are still talking about the experiences they had and the things they learned at camp.”
Students learned about legendary figures in Chattanooga’s history and created art reflecting those traits and qualities. Photo courtesy of National Park Partners c.2022
National Parks are famously quoted as being “America’s best idea” and in this region, we have an especially unique jewel in the National Park Service system’s crown. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1890 and was the first of its kind in the country. Dedicated in 1895, it became a model for most national military and historical parks and encompasses over 9,000 acres with six distinct and different places.
Students and families are invited to join National Park Partners at the Chattanooga Green for a Spring Break walking tour adventure. Hosted Monday, April 3 through Saturday, April 8, this community outreach event will connect students, families, and residents to an exciting augmented reality experience, a community resource map, and guided walking tour. The free event series is sponsored by the National Park Foundation and is a part of the Open OutDoors for Kids grant project. Please register online for an unforgettable adventure in history!
Stay tuned for the next entry as we introduce you to a blog series highlighting the history and significance of each part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, and the resources to support your family learning and exploring in the backyard we all share.