A lesson plan for the years of the Mine Wars in West Virginia:

 

Grade Level: 8-12

Subject: Social Studies

Topic: The West Virginia Mine Wars

Objectives:

• Students will be able to describe the events of the West Virginia Mine Wars.
• Students will be able to analyze the causes and consequences of the Mine Wars.
• Students will be able to evaluate the role of unions in the Mine Wars.
• Students will be able to communicate their understanding of the Mine Wars through a creative writing or presentation.

Materials:

• Whiteboard or projector
• Markers or pens
• Handouts on the West Virginia Mine Wars (optional)

Procedure:

1. Begin by reviewing the basic facts about the Mine Wars. What were the major events? Who were the key players? What were the causes and consequences of the Mine Wars?
2. Have students work in groups to research a specific aspect of the Mine Wars. This could include the role of unions, the role of women, the role of violence, or the impact of the Mine Wars on the coal industry.
3. Have each group present their findings to the class.
4. Lead a discussion about the Mine Wars. What were the most important lessons learned from this period? What are the implications of the Mine Wars for the labor movement today?
5. Have students complete a creative writing assignment or presentation about the Mine Wars. This could be a poem, a song, a short story, or a PowerPoint presentation.

Assessment:

• Students will be assessed on their ability to:
  • Describe the events of the West Virginia Mine Wars.
  • Analyze the causes and consequences of the Mine Wars.
  • Evaluate the role of unions in the Mine Wars.
  • Communicate their understanding of the Mine Wars through a creative writing or presentation.

Extensions:

• Take students on a field trip to the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum.
• Have students interview a coal miner or union organizer.
• Have students research the history of unions in other industries.