Soviet Union in the Cold War Lesson Plans

Students examine the Cold War roots of the recent debate over the construction of United States and Russian missile defense shields. They begin by reading and discussing the article, Putin Says Russia Would Counter U.S. Shield.

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 examine history and importance of Apollo Program, explore how Cold War helped create and sustain Apollo Program, and investigate how and why archaeologists and historians are attempting to preserve Apollo landing sites on moon.

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.

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 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.

Eleventh graders role play as participants in a NATO meeting focused on inviting a number of independent republics from the former Soviet Union to become members of NATO. They represent their countries after researching them.

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.