Interactive
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The Cold War (1945–1963)

For Students 7th - 12th
For this online interactive history quiz worksheet, students respond to 46 multiple choice questions about the Cold War. Students may submit their answers to be scored.
Lesson Plan
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The United States and the Soviet Union were Engaged in a Cold War

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students work together at figuring out the definition for what cold war means. In this social science instructional activity, students listen to "The Butter Battle Book" by Dr. Seuss and recognize how this story relates to the cold war...
Lesson Plan
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Introduction to the Cold War

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students examine the domino theory. In this cold war instructional activity, 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...
Lesson Plan
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The Kennedy Years

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders read text and view films about the Kennedy administration. In this preseidential administration lesson, 8th graders interview someone who lived during Sputnik, write summaries of lectures, and create posters demonstrating...
Lesson Plan
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The Cuban Missile Crisis in 10 Steps

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders research the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis. In this Cuban Missile Crisis instructional activity, 10th graders work in groups to order a group of ten events of the crisis.
Lesson Plan
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The Cold War: Solving the Mystery of History with Voices on Vinyl

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders explore the Cold War Era. In this world history lesson, 8th graders discover the positions taken by countries during the Cold War as they listen to lectures regarding the major events and turning points in the Cold War....
Lesson Plan
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Resolving Kennedy's Legacy

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders investigate the medical condition that plagued John F. Kennedy throughout his life.  In this US History lesson, 11th graders read and analyze uncovered documents in relation to Kennedy.  Students write a report...
Lesson Plan
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The Cuban Missile Crisis

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore facets of the Cold War. In this Cold War history lesson, students research a Cold War event in order to write a news story about the events that features direct quotations and images.
Worksheet
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America in the 1950's

For Students 5th - 8th
In this America in the 1950's learning exercise, students read about housing, education, entertainment, and the Cold War in the 1950s. Students then answer 5 questions about this time.
Lesson Plan
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American Foreign Policy Since World War II (The Cold War)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify and interpret some key figures and major events during the Cold War era, including the Korean War, Vietnam, Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs Invasion, and the United States and China Cold War Relations. They also play...
Lesson Plan
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The Cold War And Beyond

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers 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...
Lesson Plan
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World War II: Causes And Consequences

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Young scholars discuss the U.S. economy, society, and politics in the years following World War II. They explore the boom in advertising during this period by reviewing print advertisements from the late 1940s and early 1950s. ...
Lesson Plan
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Intro to Cold War

For Teachers 11th
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...
Lesson Plan
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Into the Fifties: Understanding the Context of Film Genres in the Fifties

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners discuss prior knowledge of American culture during the 1950's. They complete KWL charts, participate in class discussions and view the documentary film Atomic Café. They record their observations from the film.
Lesson Plan
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Cuban Missile Crisis: Teaching Activities

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students create a timeline of the important events of John F. Kennedy's presidency. They construct a timeline of the major events of the Cuban Missile Crisis. They compare the Missile Crisis events with their presentation in the movie...
Lesson Plan
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Communism and Containment

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students "discover" top secret documents that describe the "Patriot" program. They are assigned the task of educating the American people about the threat of Soviets taking over America, including the key points of the Truman Doctrine...
Lesson Plan
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Hitting the Cold War From All Angles

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders use maps, lecture and research to explore the history and social context of the Cold War. They examine films, music and important figures of the era.
Lesson Plan
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Cold War

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders analyze U.S. foreign policy since World War II, tracing origins and geopolitical consequences (foreign and domestic) of the Cold War and containment policy.
Lesson Plan
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Has the Wall Truly Tumbled Down?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students examine the events behind the destruction of the Berlin Wall and the continued struggles to truly unify the former East Germany and West Germany.
Lesson Plan
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Oil Spills

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders examine the San Francisco oil spill and the effects it has had.  In this investigative lesson plan students view a demonstration on oil clean up and how it works.  They see how wildlife is rehabilitated, how the...
Worksheet
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Cold War Chronology

For Students 8th - 12th
In this Cold War worksheet, students examine the chronological list of important events between 1945 and 1991. Students then respond to 7 short answer questions based on the chronology.
Worksheet
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Introduction to the Early Origins of the Cold War

For Students 8th - 12th
In this Cold War activity, students read a 4-paragraph selection about post World War II diplomacy and then list key dates and events noted in the selection.
Lesson Plan
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The Cold War: Anti-Communism at Home

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders take a closer look at the Red Scare. In this Cold War lesson, 11th graders read the provided literature about anti-communism in the United States and then respond to the provided discussion questions that accompany the...
Lesson Plan
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Cold War Battle Grounds Arms Race, Space Race, Sports

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the Space Race and Arms Race. In this Cold War lesson, students watch video clips and read information about how the Cold War was fought. Students complete a writing activity based on the information presented.