Goal: This web site is intended to promote the use of
historical miniatures (toy soldiers) as a tool for teaching history.
Scenarios: The scenarios are designed for use with
Junior High School students (grades 6-8). Each battle has been
playtested twice with students at this grade level. The battles
can be completed in less than two hours (this includes the time
needed to set up, clean up, explain the rules, and discuss the
battle afterwards). Every battle puts a lot of miniature toy soldiers
on the battlefield so that every student can have some men to
command. The rules are designed for 1/72 scale plastic figures
which are cheap ($4-$7 for a box of 50) and easily available from
your local hobby store. There is no need to buy a lot of expensive
specialized equipment for these battles, basic supplies needed
are a bunch of dice (6 sided), some rulers or measuring sticks,
and a green table cloth. All the scenarios are deliberately kept
very simple and focus on a real historical battle. The Battle
of Marathon is a good starter scenario.
What We are Not: This web site is NOT intended to glorify
violence or advocate war.
Looking for more information?
Check out some of these Useful Websites.
Need Help?: Contact Matt
(sjcw@bellatlantic.net) if you have any questions. If you've
used historical miniatures in your own classroom please share
your experiences.
Vietnam - Ia Drang (Just read
the book, this one is going to get done)
WWI - Aerial Combat (This was
the #1 request from the students, planes already built and painted)
Waterloo - Hougomont
Korean War?
Any suggestions?
US History
The Revolutionary War: - The Battle of Saratoga: Benedict Arnold is the
hero as the Americans defeat the British, leading to the surrender
of an entire British army and encouraging France to enter the
war.
The Alamo - Santa
Anna won the battle, but the Texans won the war.
The Civil War - The Battle of Gettysburg: This scenario focuses
on the Rebel attacks on Devil's Den and Little Round Top.
Spanish American War - Battle of San Juan Hill: The battle that made Teddy
Roosevelt's reputation, go behind the myth and find out what
really happened (54 mm figures are used).
World War II - D-Day:
Join the first wave as they begin the liberation of France by
assaulting Bloody Omaha Beach.
World
War II - Battle of Midway:
This carrier duel was the turning point in the war in the Pacific.
This battle is designed as a board game with counters to represent
the airplanes. Contact Matt
if you'd like to try this game.
Ancient & Medieval History
Battle of Marathon - The plucky Athenians drive the Persians
into the sea. A good scenario for beginners.
Punic Wars - Battle of Zama: The legendary Hannibal meets his
match in Scipio. A spectacular battle.
Battle of Adrianople - The Visigoths score an upset against
the Romans. An important step in the decline of the Roman Empire.
