There's nothing like experiencing history to understand it.So instead of reading about the U.S.Civil War in textbooks,some schoolchildren in Virginia are creating videos related to the conflict,in which the northern Union and southern Confederate states fought over several issues,including slavery,from l861--1865. 

In one scene, children act as two Union generals, meeting at the Kaploan Klver in central Virginia.The l2-and l3-year-olds are producing a mini--video on the key role temporary pontoon bridges played during the war.After building and crossing a pontoon bridge,Union soldiers defeated a Confederate army in the Battle of the Wilderness. 

In another scene,students act as soldiers who are marching to the river with guns.Today,the area is part of a national military park.Park Educational Coordinator Peter Maugle shows the children how to hold the fake guns."Hopefully they will understand why these places are important through projects and programs like this,and they will make an effort to keep these places preserved for future generations,''he said. 

Another background is a plantation where much of the Battle of the Wilderness was fought. At this location,another group of children is focusing on the diary of a woman who lived in the region during the war.Student director John Ashley says the experience has made him think more about the human aspect of the war.Filmmaker Ghil Hong donated his time to help the students, who have understood it quickly."They are trying to convey the emotions during the Civil War.They really focus on wanting the story to be accurate,''Hong added. 

With help from advisors,the children also research,write,and edit the videos.Alexis Albert got a chance to try out directing and learned a lot about Civil War history in the process. "It helps me more as a student understand it more than reading a book and looking at words,"he said. 

The project is sponsored by the Journey Through Hallowed Ground,which raises awareness of historical sites from Pennsylvania to Virginia, including many Civil War battlegrounds.
Who is Peter Maugle?
Where?
What is he demonstrating to kids?
real ones?
What are kids in Virginia making?
about what?
When was that?
Who is John Ashley?
What part of war is he now thinking about?
Who gave his time for free to this project
What is he?
What did soldiers build in the Battle of the Wilderness?
which side created it?
did they make it across?
Who won that battle?
What are soldiers carrying with them to a river?
who is portraying this?
What does Peter hope will help kids understand the importance of places?
Who is funding the program?
What kind of places do they promote?
Park Educational Coordinator
Park Educational Coordinator Peter Maugle
at a national military park
a national military park.Park Educational Coordinator Peter Maugle 
how to hold guns
Peter Maugle shows the children how to hold the fake guns
no
Peter Maugle shows the children how to hold the fake guns
videos
some schoolchildren in Virginia are creating videos
the Civil War
 creating videos related to the conflict,in which the northern Union and southern Confederate states fought
from l861--1865
fought over several issues,including slavery,from l861--1865
a student director
Student director John Ashley says the experience has made him think
the human one
 John Ashley says the experience has made him think more about the human aspect of the war
Filmmaker Ghil Hong donated his time
Filmmaker Ghil Hong donated his time
a Filmmaker
Filmmaker Ghil Hong
a pontoon bridge
After building and crossing a pontoon bridge,Union soldiers defeated a Confederate army in the Battle of the Wilderness
the Union
After building and crossing a pontoon bridge,Union soldiers
yes
After building and crossing a pontoon bridge
Union soldiers
Union soldiers defeated a Confederate army in the Battle of the Wilderness. 
guns
students act as soldiers who are marching to the river with guns
students
students act as soldiers who are marching to the river with guns.
projects and programs
Hopefully they will understand why these places are important through projects and programs like this
the Journey Through Hallowed Ground
The project is sponsored by the Journey Through Hallowed Ground
historical sites
 Journey Through Hallowed Ground,which raises awareness of historical sites