ABMCEducation Reimagined

The Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media has recently completed revisions to
the educational site American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC).

Life of a Soldier, designed by social studies teacher Katie, challenges students to understand the personal stories of those who fought in World War I.

Formerly focused solely on World War II, the updated site now includes World War I activities. Teachers developed the activities following their participation in a professional development program to research a fallen servicemen and women. Trips have been to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific. Each teacher’s activity features a number of sources including videos, interactive sites, books, and historic photographs.

One of the new features on the site are “Teacher Voice” pieces for some activities. These provide a teacher’s impressions on their experience with teaching the activity in their classroom and includes suggestions for adapting the activity according to time restraints or specific classroom needs. Activities offer different levels of challenge, adaptations, and methods for extension. There is also a a backpack feature that allows the user to bookmark items.

The ABMC maintains American military cemeteries outside the United States to commemorate the service, achievements, and sacrifice of U.S. armed forces.