Cold War Lesson Plans

Students discuss and review the key events of the Cold War during Eisenhower's presidency. After the review, they conduct research in order to prepare for staging a presidential news conference that could have taken place at that time.

Learners interview an adult that grew up in the United States during the Cold War to develop an understanding of the concept of mutually assured destruction. They focus the interview on how the person dealt with the threat of nuclear war. They present the interviews and discuss the events that led to the conclusion of the Cold War

Students study the Cold War. For this world history lesson, students research the Cold War on the Internet and create a mock newscast about the Cold War. Students record the newscast by using a video camera.

Students are asked what they recall about the current War on Terrorism. They are asked if they comprehend what the Cold War was. Students are explained that the Cold War was at its height during the 1950s and 1960s, when adults who are middle-aged now were children.

Students research major events of the Cold War. They analyze a timeline of events, select an event to research, conduct Internet research, and write a mock news article that includes direct quotes and images.

Students examine the effects of the Cold War. In this Cold War lesson, students use primary sources to determine if the Cold War caused the American Consumer Culture. Students will use their research to write a persuasive essay.

Students discuss what they know about the Cold War and make connections with the book (or film) Rocket Boys by Hickam. Students research Sputnik and read an Eisenhower Cabinet meeting document. Students discuss their research and evaluate how Sputnik's launch fits in the Cold War.

Students examine the domino theory. In this cold war lesson, students watch a video about dominos and then get into groups that represent different nations. Students will then act out a mock simulation of the containment and domino theory.

Eleventh graders are introduced to the events between the years 1949 and 1989. They list and explain key events and people that contributed to the development of the Cold War. Students are asked "what do you think Billy Joel meant by 'We didn't start the fire', and why do you think this has historical relevance, or does it?"

Students participate in a news conference simulation. In this Cold War lesson, students research events of the conflict during Eisenhower's presidency and use the information to script and participate in a news conference with Eisenhower.