Pacific West District Middle Schools Maximize Month of the Military Child through a Mock Military Simulation
CAMP HUMPHREYS, SOUTH KOREA – The Pacific West District placed an intentional emphasis on Month of the Military Child by offering an experiential learning day for students in middle schools during their studies on World War II in United States History. The schools planned a day of hands-on learning that exposed students to military careers. The 194th Division Sustainment Support Battalion led the effort in partnership with teachers and the district. Over 300 eighth grade students from Korea schools were in attendance.
Draft letters were sent out to students in their individual social studies classes presenting the opportunity to participate in the learning day through a Study-Trip. Students were sworn in by Chief Warrant Officer II Eric Duddy before heading off to report for duty. Drill Sergeants met students upon arrival and escorted them to their duty stations.
“Observing students participate and watching history come alive gave the opportunity for them to experience what the process in the textbook actually feels like,” said Social Studies Teacher Sharen Pittman.
Teachers used time at the end of Focused Collaboration Job-Alike days to plan lessons that included all four content areas with cross-curricular alignment. Students were able to participate in several learning stations that included social studies historical learning of the time period and mobilizing for war. STEM stations with a focus on math and science were also available. Teachers placed an emphasis on DoDEA’s key instructional indicators of student engagement and productive struggle, which required students to solve mathematical problems of needed resources during war time and scientific methods of purification of water. The use of technology and a 3-D printer was featured for students to better understand logistics, repairs, and maintenance. Stations were supported by active-duty personnel and other Secondary Instructional Systems Specialists within the various content areas.
"I was able to learn about the different jobs in the Army and how different and improved the Army is now compared to WWI and WWII,” said eighth grade student Kayslee Stevens.
Students heard and experienced first-hand what it is like to serve in the military as well as the specialized skill sets needed to perform certain jobs.
“It is important for us to support and give back in this way because they are a part of our system,” said Cpt. Thomas Mellon, who served as the lead Officer In Charge (OIC). “These are the future leaders of the mission.”
