Curated OER
Why do wars occur?
Understanding the causes of war is one way (possibly) to prevent it. World War II is used as a case study to facilitate an understanding of reasons why wars start. Topics covered included Totalitarianism, scarcity of resources, need for...
MacArthur Memorial
In Their Shoes: WWI Through the Eyes of Early Participants
Several social activities provide showcase the perspective of many prominent figures in World War I history. Students read an assigned case study about a memorable person and complete several activities to further understand this...
US Department of State
The Marshall Plan: The Vision of a Family of Nations
The European Recovery Act (aka the Marshall Plan) was designed to bring together and develop a spirit of cooperation among European nations after World War II. Class members examine the materials from the Marshall Plan exhibit and assess...
US National Archives
WWII: The Pacific 1939-45 – Japan and the Atom Bomb
Though the scientists who developed the atom bomb did not believe it should be used to end World War II, American President Harry S. Truman and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill were of like mind in their decision to drop the bomb...
Curated OER
Front Page History
Students consider how current events are directly and intricately tied to past events, decisions and other influences. The island of Guam is used as a case study as the events of WWII have continued to affect the people of Guam today.
Curated OER
Political Asylum Talk Show
Learners view videos, visit websites, and read about the nature and changes made to the idea of political asylum. Beginning with Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany, they will explore policy change throughout the years. The lesson...
Curated OER
What Would You Do? A Discussion About the Ethics of War
Students examine the process of ethical decision-making during wartime. They read three case studies from World War II, and in small groups discuss, debate, and present their findings to the class.
Curated OER
The Legacy of Pete Gray
Students study Pete Gray and his baseball legacy. In this critical thinking lesson plan students participate in a group discussion and calculate percentages.
Curated OER
Two World Wars
Students listen to a lecture about WWI, or they go through the WWI project time line in a computer center. Students repeat the above options about WWII. Once the research is complete, students compare the two wars by filling in the...
Curated OER
You're In My Space!
Students explain how political, social, and economic boundaries can be changed through cooperation and conflict. Small groups are assigned a particular trouble area of the world. Each group studies a particular side of the conflict.
Smithsonian Institution
Hidden Histories: Mexican Repatriation During the 1930s
Mexican Repatriation: the forgotten deportation of American citizens. The resource focuses on the deportation of Mexican American citizens during the Great Depression. Young historians read documents, complete a free-write, and fill out...
Curated OER
Teaching About Genocide
Teaching children of any age about genocide or The Holocaust can be difficult, as the content is sensitive and often emotional. This academic article was written by an educator and is intended to help you consider multiple aspects of...
Curated OER
The Cold War at Home
Eleventh graders discover the perspective of Cold War on the American homefront. In this Cold War lesson, 11th graders watch Duck and Cover video segments that instruct citizens what to do in case of nuclear attack. Students discuss the...
Curated OER
"A Sound of Hammering"
Tenth graders study "A Sound of Hammering," which is a letter written by a former soldier after the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II.
Curated OER
Analyzing Media Literacy
Fifth graders define propaganda, evaluate World War II propaganda posters to analyze media literacy, complete War Poster Analysis worksheet, and create and share their own propaganda posters containing subject matter pertaining to war in...
Curated OER
Women and World War II
Students determine the influence of World War II on women's roles in society. Students research the answers to questions about how women were able to enter jobs that had not been open to them before the war and how this affected society....
Curated OER
Muddy Waters: A historical view of land use patterns, water quality, and the conservation movement
Young scholars research the impact that human activity had on Pennsylvania's water supply over time. In this water quality lesson plan, students research, discuss, and write about how Pennsylvania's water quality has been affected and...