Interactive Archaeology Lecture And Moving Conversation: Exploring Trench Warfare On The Western Front.pdf

Objectives:
- Appreciate the role of military heritage in Canadian interests, values, and beliefs.
- Understand the impact of military history on Canada and the world.
- Encourage active and informed citizenship among students.

Target Grade Level: Grades 10–12

Historical Context: First World War (1914–1918)

Resources:
- 52-minute video lecture: "Archaeology of the Western Front: Digging the Trenches" by Andrew Robertshaw
- Large open space (ideal gym, dependent on participant number)
- LCD projector and screen or flip chart/whiteboard

Learning Outcomes:
- Critically consider the meaning of remembrance in relation to archaeological discoveries.
- Identify, articulate, and share viewpoints on remembrance issues through a kinesthetic activity.

Procedure:

1. Watch Video Lecture (52 mins): Students view the lecture, led by military historian Andrew Robertshaw, focusing on archaeology at the Western Front and its implications for remembrance.

2. Prompt Consideration: Students review prompts related to remembrance and archaeological discoveries on the Western Front. They reflect individually on their responses.

3. Moving Conversation Setup:
- All participants stand in an open area.
- Facilitator presents a prompt on a display surface.
- A student reads the prompt, then ends it with their opinion by choosing a physical location (closer or farther from the speaker) to represent agreement or disagreement.

4. Discussion and Movement:
- Participants move towards or away from the speaker based on their agreement/disagreement.
- Another student responds to the initial prompt or extends on it, followed by further movement.
- Facilitator encourages students to share reasons for their positioning during and after statements.

5. Facilitation Tips:
- Encourage intellectual change and growth.
- Allow differing interpretations and opinions.
- Students are not obligated to follow peers; encourage bravery in stating personal views.

Debrief:
- Verbal discussion about the experience and insights gained.
- Journaling prompts for reflection on the activity and its connections to remembrance, history, and citizenship.

Extension Activity:
- Students can create their own prompts related to remembrance and present them in a similar Moving Conversation format.