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Seventh Graders Bring the American Revolution to Life
Seventh-grade Social Studies students at Otselic Valley recently stepped into history—literally—with an interactive outdoor lesson designed to deepen their understanding of how the Colonists overcame the odds to win the American Revolution.
After exploring the advantages and disadvantages of both the British and the Continental Armies in class, students participated in a staged tug-of-war that mirrored key aspects of the war.
The red team, representing the British, began with more and taller students to symbolize the strength of the British Army. However, just as in history, they faced challenges—some players were required to start 10 yards behind the rope to represent the difficulties of fighting a war from across the ocean.
Meanwhile, the blue team, standing in for the Continental Army, faced its own uphill battle. A pivotal moment came when Mr. Wentworth’s Civic Engagement class joined the blue team—an intentional parallel to France’s alliance with the Colonists, which proved to be a turning point in the actual war.
In a final twist, only the blue team was offered a prize if they won, symbolizing the Continental Army’s motivation to fight for a greater cause: freedom and independence.
Back in the classroom, students reflected on the experience, drawing thoughtful connections between the simulation and historical events. One student even commented that the prize served as a powerful metaphor for the Colonists' fight for liberty.
A special thank you to Mr. Wentworth and his students for their participation, and to all the seventh graders for their energy and insight in bringing this pivotal chapter of history to life.