Military Technology
The United States military invests in the research and development of many different kinds of technology. The materials in this module highlight individuals buried at Arlington National Cemetery who dedicated their careers to technology and innovation. Lesson plans also explain technologies that ANC staff use to fulfill their mission today.

Lifelong Learners: Science & Technology at ANC

Part of Arlington National Cemetery's mission is to preserve and maintain the cemetery and its historic buildings, monuments, and headstones for current and future visitors. Learn more about how ANC uses science and technology to maintain the cemetery.

Walking Tour: Military Technology

This walking tour honors those individuals buried at Arlington who dedicated their careers to technology and innovation. Some, like Hyman Rickover and Grace Hopper, did so while serving in the military. Others, like George Westinghouse, contributed to technological advancement outside of their military service.
  • Length: 3 miles
  • Starting point: Section 5 (0.4 miles from Welcome Center)
  • Exertion Level: Moderate

Lesson Plans: High School

The military invests in the research and development of many different kinds of technology. These technologies can provide fascinating case studies for exploring the practical applications of science concepts taught in your classroom.
The three lesson plans in this module focus on technologies that are currently used at Arlington National Cemetery and partner agencies (LIDAR, DNA analysis), or that were developed by prominent individuals buried at ANC (nuclear submarines).
  • One class period (30 minutes)

Lesson Plans: Elementary and Middle School

Students learn about the history of military technologies by sorting technology cards into categories. Lesson plans are geared toward sorting the technology cards according to the war in which the technology was used.
This lesson can be taught as part of a unit studying the American Revolution, the Civil War, World War I, or World War II. It can also be revisited to refresh students’ understanding of which technologies were used during a particular war.
  • One class period (30 minutes)