Wyoming launches military history curriculum with museum and university partners

State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder and the Wyoming Department of Education have announced the launch of a new military history curriculum in partnership with the National Museum of Military Vehicles, the University of Wyoming Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program, and four Wyoming teachers. The Daniels Fund provided grant support for this initiative.

“This passion project has been in the making for over a year as part of our initiative to increase patriotism in schools,” said Degenfelder. “As we move toward America’s Semi-Quincentennial, we are excited to share this important content with Wyoming students, further instilling patriotism in future generations.”

The curriculum covers World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Videos were produced by museum staff with input from teachers across Wyoming and resources from the Wallop Program. These materials are available at no cost through the WDE’s Civics Ed Center for all state teachers, homeschool families, and organizations.

“The short videos, summaries, lesson plans, and links to exercises and additional resources will help Wyoming teachers make these conflicts come to life for their students. They also do an excellent job demonstrating the central role that the United States has played in shaping the world over the last 80 years and the sacrifices our veterans have made to make our freedoms possible,” said Jean Garrison, Stewart Family Professor of Public Service and Director of the Wallop Civic Engagement Program.

Wyoming educators who contributed to developing lesson plans include Kate Decker from Greybull Middle School, Allen Doty from Meeteetse School, Bryce Middelstadt from Kelly Walsh High School, and Aaron Makelky from Kelly Walsh High School. Their participation was supported by funding from the Daniels Fund.

“It is so important that students can witness history and connect it to people they know or to their own experiences. Not only does the museum bring these things to life for our students, but it provides so many opportunities for educators to help their kids connect to our service members and our country,” said Decker.