Hardtack was the biscuit-like food that soldiers ate during the Civil War. The crackers were made in factories using simple materials. Hardtack might have tasted good when it was fresh, but due to delayed delivery, the soldiers received hard crackers that sometimes were infested by worms. As a project, students can bake their own hardtack using these materials: 4 cups flour, 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix all the ingredients into a stiff batter then spread the dough on a non-greased baking sheet. After baking for 90 minutes at 400 degrees, remove the pan the oven. Immediately cut it into 3-inch squares and use a fork to make four rows of holes. Serve once cooling is done.
Flags were used to symbolize home towns, soldiers and the nation during the Civil War. As a simple social studies project, students can create their own flag designs using art paper, glue and scissors. Assign the students to include a short description or explanation about what the flags symbolize.
The Civil War can be divided into significant events that students can role-play. Assign students to groups. Allow ample time for them to do research, prepare scripts and gather props. Schedule time for rehearsals, too. Set a specific date for groups to showcase their plays in the classroom. This activity will make them more familiar with characters and events during the Civil War.
Students also can research popular Civil War paintings. Using this information, they need to take photos of current happenings and relate these to their chosen paintings. Their images can be displayed in a photo exhibit. Painting inspirations can include freedom from slavery and battles.
Students can recreate a Civil War battlefield by making a panoramic illustration. Using easy-to-find materials, such as copper wires, moss canopies and small stones, they can build the landscape formations and other significant battle details that they have read about.