Stingrays Touch History: 6th Grade Explores Alabama Forts
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL — History jumped off the pages of textbooks and into the real world last week as Mrs. Daniel’s 6th-grade class from Breakfast Point Academy traveled to Alabama to explore the historic grounds of Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines.
The immersive expedition was made possible through a competitive national grant awarded by the American Battlefield Trust’s History Field Trip Grant Program. This program provides funding for K-12 teachers to bring their students to significant Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War sites.
The Power of Place
While the classroom provides the foundation, Mrs. Daniel believes there is no substitute for standing on the ground where history was made.
"Learning about history in the classroom can get the job done, but to be able to take my students to a historical site where they can actually touch history makes learning history exciting!" said Mrs. Daniel.
The students spent the day touring the fortifications, walking the ramparts, and visualizing the strategic battles that took place at the mouth of Mobile Bay. For many, the scale of the forts and the lifestyle of the soldiers provided a perspective that photos simply cannot capture.
"It was amazing to learn about the history of the forts in class, then go see them in person!" said Emmalynn, a 6th-grade student. "I can’t believe they lived like that! I would have been really scared when they fired the cannons."
A Competitive Honor
Breakfast Point Academy was among a select group of schools chosen for this opportunity. During the previous school year, the Trust helped over 12,000 students from 35 states visit hallowed ground.
David Duncan, President of the American Battlefield Trust, noted that these sites serve as "outdoor classrooms" that help define our democratic republic for the leaders of tomorrow.
About the American Battlefield Trust
The American Battlefield Trust is the nation’s largest battlefield land preservation organization, having saved more than 60,000 acres across 25 states. Their mission is to preserve America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educate the public about the pivotal events that forged the nation.
For more information on the Trust and their educational initiatives, visit www.battlefields.org.
Way to go, Stingrays, for representing BPA with excellence on the national stage!