Students start year with hands-on history
CRANBERRY TWP — The second World War is a history subject usually taught in the spring at high schools.
But on Friday, junior-class students at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School got a first glance at a not-so-distant past.
History teacher David Widenhofer brought in artifacts from the war for students to analyze for his advanced placement class.
The artifacts come from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans as part of Operation Footlocker, a program offered by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
These included an army garrison cap, a tank periscope and a reflecting mirror among others.
“The goal of the project is for students to gain a richer understanding for and appreciation of World War II history and history in general by analyzing and reading artifacts,” Widenhofer said.
“I think it’s a good way to start off the new year,” said student Rylee Kopchak, 16.
She along with Joanna Belechak and Jessica Cannon, both 16, examined a film reel with vintage aircraft photos able to be seen through a View-Master.
“We get to view actual parts of history before we dive into the text,” Rylee said.
Students were placed in teams of three or four and had to take in consideration factors of that era when analyzing their artifacts, including what materials were used, time and social norms among others.
Widenhofer also said he decided to have the artifacts this fall because of their availability.
“Usually everyone orders them (artifacts) in the spring and it’s impossible to get them,” he said. “That’s when everyone covers World War II.”
Not all artifacts were directly war-related.
Students also analyzed a high school yearbook from Stephens Point in Wisconsin.
“It’s cool,” said student Matt Koenig.
Four classes in total got the opportunity to view the artifacts.
