Vietnam Protest Lesson Plans

Eleventh graders examine events leading up to and during the Vietnam War. They research assigned topics utilizing interviews, Powerpoint presentations, timelines, and collages in their presentations.

Students comprehend how the United States became involved in what one historian called the quagmire. Students identify and analyze the importance of the Tet Offensive in turning American public opinion against the Vietnam War. Students identify how the Vietnam War is still a vital part of American life and culture. Students encourage active learning by holding an in-class debate between pro- and anti-war views.

Students view and discuss The 25 Greatest Protest Songs video as compiled by VH1. They focus on when and why each of the songs were written, looking for patterns.

Students analyze recent anti-American protests around the world, using Pakistan as a starting point. They read and discuss, In Streets of Pakistani Cities, Cries of 'Death to America! students develop and present case studies of protests.

Students analyze the feelings of Americans regarding the Vietnam War. For this Vietnam War lesson, students collaborate to research Internet and print sources regarding the perspectives on U.S. involvement in the war. Students participate in a simulation that requires them to consider how they would react to being called to service in Vietnam.

Middle schoolers discuss the activism and activist leaders of the 1970's human rights movements involving women, migrant workers and Native Americans. They perform a mock "sit-in" and protest regarding a current societal issue. This is an impressive, 26-page plan.

Students analyze and perform an American social protest song. They describe its historical setting, consider the effectiveness of the music and recognize that popular music is a reflection of American culture.

Students nderstand how the Vietnam War affected the presidencies of Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon. They explain how public officials use the media to shape public opinion and identify effects of Vietnam protests on foreign policy.

Learners analyze the lyrics of protest music during the Vietnam War. In this Vietnam War lesson, students listen to several songs from the era that served as forms of protest. Learners then discuss the power of music as a tool for protest.

Young scholars explore the Vietnam War. For this wartime culture lesson, students use primary sources to examine the impact of protests and the draft during the Vietnam War. Young scholars create informational posters based on their findings.