Wednesday, May 15, 2002
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Wednesday, May 15, 2002 |
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Students learn from Vietnam project Although the Vietnam War ended long before they were born, students at Starr's Mill High School are experiencing the emotion of the era through an innovative project that has totally submersed them into the movements of the 1960s. Social studies teacher Jon Gloer, along with Fayette County High School English teacher Askley Lawson, developed the project which requires students to complete extensive research on the Vietnam era including keeping a portfolio of writings, interviews and music that was created in the time period of the war. Gloer says he got the idea for the project a few years ago after watching a "Day One" special on Vietnam and reading the book "We were Soldiers Onceand Young" by General Moore and Joe Galloway. "Vietnam is an era I think our country is just beginning to understand and a lot of the wounds and division that we had as a nation are now beginning to fully heal. This project lets these kids see that this war ended a blind trust we held in our government for years," said Gloer. In addition to keeping a portfolio, students must read the book by Moore and Galloway as well as construct a mini replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall. One of the most emotional parts of the project requires students to write letters to fictitious fallen Vietnam soldiers and place them on the wall along with a gift that symbolizes how they feel about the veteran's actions. "This project has changed my life. I have learned how tragic the 60s were with all of the upheaval and change and it has made me want to go back in time to serve my country in the war," said Jason Earwood. Students in Gloer's class say they feel a strong connection to the era because many of their custodians at the school served in the South Vietnam military and had to escape after the war to avoid being executed. "We have learned a lot about what they had to go through just to save their lives. This project has really increased the level of patriotism that I feel toward my country," said Lauren Dillon. In addition to learning about the Vietnam War and why it happened, Gloer says there are two main messages he hopes students take away from the project. "They need to know that division in our country serves no purpose other than dividing us on all fronts. Vietnam veterans need the support of our people today, we turned our backs on them 30 years ago," he said.
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