This series of lessons is designed to introduce your students to archaeology and local history by learning about and recording historic cemeteries. Through this process, students exercise critical thinking skills,make local connections to broad historical events, and contribute to their local communities.
The lessons are designed for use in Florida World History courses; however, they are appropriate for high school students and can be adapted for use in a variety of classes.
For more information or to request a G.R.A.V.E. teacher training, contact your local FPAN office. Download the Teacher Information Packet to get started.
These introductory lessons prepare your students for their cemetery visit by introducing them to the study and preservation of historic cemeteries. They include a drawing activity, a PowerPoint lecture, and an opportunity to practice recording cemetery markers in the classroom.
On your field trip to a local historic cemetery, your students will put their new skills to work by recording cemetery markers. These lessons include a worksheet to familiarize students with the cemetery when you arrive and the necessary materials to record headstones.
After your field trip, students return to the classroom to unpack their experiences through a short discussion. There are three optional lessons that can be paired with this discussion or assigned as homework, and several suggestions for final projects, if desired.