Fifth Grade has been preparing for a virtual field trip to Gettysburg for the past few weeks. They learned all about hardtack and the food the Civil War soldiers had, the living conditions for the soldiers, and the many challenges they faced.

All of their studies were in an effort to answer the question, “Would you re-enlist in a Civil War army for three years, after serving for just three months and learning about the life of a soldier?”

The fifth-graders read Civil War letters and then wrote their own letters from the perspective of a soldier. Students learned how to march outside by performing Civil War marching drills, which were important so soldiers knew what to do when they were in the heat of a battle. Soldiers would drill every day and often walk 20 miles a day.

Fifth grade spoke with Barbara Sanders, the Gettysburg National Military Park’s education specialist. She taught students the soldier's pledge and had them practice marching drills. She also tested the students to see if they could be soldiers. Students had to show they had enough teeth to bite open ammunition cartridges and had all their fingers on their hands to handle weapons.

Students wrote questions ahead of time and were able to ask Barbara Sanders their questions, including: 

• What diseases did soldiers die from?
• Did any kids join the army in disguise?
• How much free time did soldiers get?
• How did you brush your teeth?
• If they died would their family get money?
• What was the worst battle?
• How many soldiers died in Gettysburg?
• Did any women disguise themselves and fight as soldiers?