MEMORIAL SERVICE SIMULATION

What is it?

This type of an historical simulation is a creative way of evaluating the actions and outcomes of a leader. Similar to a wake or viewing, students portray historical characters that affected or were effected by that leader’s actions.

How is it done?

1. Design a compelling question to frame the simulation based on your lesson objective and content goals. For example, “Lincoln: Champ or Chump?” or, “Was McKinley justified in annexing the Philippines?”

2. Choose a character to eulogize. And create a list of historical characters that would have interacted, affected, or been effected by the chosen person and assign one to each student. They can be specific historical figures or general descriptions. For instance, students could be William Jennings Bryan, or they could be a Cuban national during the Spanish-American War.

3. Have students research their historical character to determine their relationship with the figure being eulogized. Then, students use their findings to write a 2 minute eulogy that either criticizes or praises the figure, depending on their historical relationships and outcomes. Their eulogy should reflect their character’s perspective and not their own.

4. On the day of the simulation, set up the room to look like a funeral home room. For instance, place a picture of the leader in the front of the room with a few flowers or a “Rest In Peace” sign. Arrange the desks/chairs facing forward so the “mourners” can listen to the eulogies. Have students take turns performing their eulogies. As they do, have the fellow “mourners’ take notes describing the positive or negative aspects of the compelling question.

5. After debriefing the activity, have students respond to the compelling question to assess the what students have learned.

What can I do to make this successful?

1. Carefully select student roles and partners. Make sure that there is ample materials for student research when assigning specific historical characters.

2. Assign specific roles according to student proficiency and interests.

3. Provide students with a rubric for the activity to clarify expectations.

4. Pre-select effective resources for students to begin their research.

5. Plan ahead by assigning the research well in advance of the simulation day so they have time to prepare. Have students submit their “in” paper (eulogy) in advance so that you may provide feedback and correct misconceptions prior to the simulation.

6. Provide students with a graphic organizer to take notes as the presentations occur. This will provide a structure for evaluating the presentations that aligns with your lesson’s goals and objectives.

7. Keep student on pace by displaying an online timer or holding up a “1 minute” sign to the presenters when their time is running out.

Example: Example- Memorial Service Simulation.docx.lnk