• Soldiers in uniform on both sides engaged in battle
• A large number of wounded or fallen soldiers on the battlefield
• Cannons firing and smoke in the air indicating intense fighting
• Geographic features like hills or fences in the landscape
• Flags representing both the Union and Confederate armies

EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After the observational question, randomly call on one or more students to share what they or their partner answered. Then ask the class, “Did anyone notice…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you’ve noticed.

• Why did the battle take place in Gettysburg specifically?
• What caused so many casualties during this battle?
• How did the outcome of this battle affect the rest of the Civil War?
• What strategies did the Union and Confederate armies use?
• What role did this battle play in Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address?

EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After students have shared what they notice, ask the class, “Did anyone wonder…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you might think is interesting or relevant to the lesson.

To the observational question, What occurred in the Battle of Gettysburg?

LOW-LEVEL

The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War because the Confederates lost the war afterwards.

HIGH-LEVEL

The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War because it ended Lee’s invasion of the North, gave the Union a major morale boost, and marked the beginning of the Confederacy’s decline.

RESPONDING TO RESPONSES
Emphasize and celebrate each student’s use of the key vocabulary to support a culture of “no wrong answers.”