Civilian Conservation Corps. – Free Middle & High School Lesson Plan

Dive into History with Civilian Conservation Corps Lesson Plans: Now Available for All Grade Levels!

Teachers and parents, are you searching for meaningful, interactive resources to spark your students’ curiosity about history, conservation, and the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)? Look no further! The Lumber Heritage Region is thrilled to offer brand-new, thoughtfully designed lesson plans tailored for 3rd-12th graders, providing an engaging way to explore this pivotal program in American history.

Why Teach About the CCC?

The CCC was more than just a New Deal initiative—it was a transformative program that rejuvenated our nation’s forests, supported families during the Great Depression, and left a lasting impact on Pennsylvania’s Lumber Heritage Region. By studying the CCC, students gain insights into topics such as environmental conservation, economic recovery, and the resilience of communities in challenging times.

Lesson Plans Designed for Every Grade

Each lesson plan is tailored to suit the developmental needs of different age groups, ensuring that students of all levels can connect with the material. Here’s a glimpse of what’s included:

• 3rd-4th Grade: Introduces the CCC through storytelling and map-based activities, helping young learners locate historical camps and visualize the legacy of “Roosevelt’s Tree Army.” Creative drawing tasks encourage students to imagine life as a CCC enrollee​.
• 5th-6th Grade: Explores the environmental challenges that led to the creation of the CCC. Students will research threats to Pennsylvania’s forests, illustrate solutions implemented by CCC workers, and consider modern conservation efforts.
• 7th-8th Grade: Encourages students to dig deeper into the program’s broader impact. Highlights include learning about the Pepper Hill Fire tragedy, creating camp newsletters, and analyzing the social dynamics of CCC camp.
• High School: Focuses on critical thinking and historical analysis. Students will evaluate the factors that shaped the CCC, explore its societal implications (including racial segregation and gender roles), and consider what a modern CCC program might look like​.

What’s Included?

Each grade-level plan comes with ready-to-use materials, such as:

• Engaging historical narratives
• Activity guides with step-by-step instructions
• Supplemental resources like maps, videos, and research links
• Thought-provoking questions to assess student understanding

Ready to Get Started?

Our lesson plans are free to download and are perfect for classrooms, homeschool environments, or even community groups looking to explore local history. Click below to access the plans for your students’ grade level and start bringing the CCC’s legacy to life today!