American History Youth Connections Program

Purpose

Students will gain an understanding of the history and impact of the Buffalo Soldiers in America and the military. The story of Buffalo Soldiers is an incredible story of bravery and valor.

Objective

1. Students will discuss and learn the historical contributions of African American infantry regiments from the Civil War through World War II (1866-1944).
2. Students will evaluate the contributions of African American infantry regiments by discussions and creating a visual display, script or “tweet” depicting an infantry person or a character from the time period.

Theme

The central theme is on bravery, honor, and valor. A study of the Buffalo Soldier is a lesson about the human spirit and character. Buffalo Soldiers experienced incredible oppression and poverty. They received unequal treatment and provisions from the country they served. Buffalo Soldiers were assigned the most challenging battles, yet these men and woman not only survived, but they thrived as they fought for America. Americans reaped great benefits from the bravery of Buffalo Soldiers.

National Council of Social Studies Standards

• Demonstrate the strength of cultural diversity;
• Analyze the role of perceptions, attitude, values and beliefs; and
• Analyze the extent to which groups meet individual needs and promote the common good in historical settings that impact the future.

Time
Five Class Periods – 3 Hour each time

Activities
(Adjusted for age and grade levels)

1. Students complete a True/False and multiple choice pre-test on the impact of the Buffalo Soldier on American History.
2. Students divide into pairs or small groups. Each pair or group receives an informational fact sheet on an aspect of the Buffalo Soldier time period. (Slavery to Military; Emancipation Proclamation; Bravery to Honor; or Military Life).
3. Students watch a video on the history of the Buffalo Soldiers.
4. Students make a poster, collage, chart, cartoon, Facebook Page or “tweet” representing an aspect of Buffalo Soldier History.
5. Students write a monologue script on “A Day in the Life of a Buffalo Soldier” or on a character from the historical time period.
6. Students complete a post-test to assess knowledge gained and retention.

Closure
Students share the new insights, facts and understanding they gained from the readings, discussions and projects.