Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Philanthropy and You

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students identify human rights and study the values of historical figures who fought for human rights. In this human rights lesson plan, students define the term human rights and research examples of human mistreatment in history....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Axis and Allies World War II Simulation

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Learners investigate World War II through the computer game Axis and Allies. They discuss the basics of World War II before playing the game, spend eight weeks playing the game that is a simulation of World War II, and write a report...
Interactive
Curated OER

Can You Name the Dog Breed?

For Students 4th - 7th
In this online quiz worksheet, students answer a set of questions about breeds of dogs. Answers may be submitted for review by clicking a link at the bottom of the page.
Primary
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: History Now: African Americans in World War Ii

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] An article about the contributions of African Americans to the war effort during World War II, despite discrimination.
Handout
US National Archives

Nara: Pictures of African Americans During Wwii

For Students 9th - 10th
Captivating audiovisual look at the role African Americans played during World War II.
Article
PBS

Soldiers Without Swords: Treason? African Americans in World War Ii

For Students 9th - 10th
Article describes the dilemma of African Americans during WWII, including legislation attempting to restrict the black press.
eBook
OpenStax

Open Stax: 1945 1960: African American Struggle for Civil Rights

For Students 11th - 12th
Examines how Presidents Truman and Eisenhower dealt with the civil rights movement, the steps taken by African Americans to combat discrimination and segregation, and the reaction of white people in the South to the civil rights...
Lesson Plan
US National Archives

National Archives: Confronting Work Place Discrimination on the Wwii Homefront

For Teachers 11th - 12th
African Americans were not able to take advantage of the booming industries as Americans were mobilizing for WWII. The FEPC was established to make sure Roosevelt's executive order providing for equal opportunities in defense industries...
Handout
History Link

Bertha Pitts Campbell: An Oral History

For Students 9th - 10th
From the Washington State Oral History Project comes this captivating interview with Bertha Pitts Campbell, an African American woman and early Seattle civil rights worker. Campbell talks about the discrimination and segregation she...
Website
PBS

Pbs: The Perilous Fight: America's World War Ii in Color

For Students 9th - 10th
Online home of the PBS documentary "The Perilous Fight" provides access to an eclectic array of color photographs and films of World War II at home and abroad. Overviews, contextual clues, maps, letters, and similar resources can be...
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Portrait Gallery: Ballyhoo! Posters as Portraiture: Beyond Call of Duty

For Students 9th - 10th
This inspirational WWII poster targets the black community by spotlighting African American navy messman Dorie Miller, who performed heroic feats when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.
Handout
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Women in the 1950s

For Students 9th - 10th
Looks at what life was like for women in 1950s America. Examines the tension between the expectations of conformity and domesticity and an emerging discontent as many women chose to continue working after World War II. Meanwhile, African...
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Portrait Gallery: Ballyhoo! Posters as Portraiture: Pvt. Joe Louis Says

For Students 9th - 10th
View a poster from the U.S. Office of Facts and Figures of boxer Joe Louis urging African-Americans to do their part for the war. The text explains the impact of the design of the poster and Louis' part in World War II.
Article
US Army Center

U.s. Army Center of Military History: The Army Nurse Corps

For Students 9th - 10th
This brochure was printed to commemorate and capture the history of the Army Nurse Corps. Read about their amazing adventures in WWII while looking at pictures and learning amazing facts about these women.
Website
Other

National Museum of the u.s. Air Force: Tuskegee Airmen

For Students 9th - 10th
Museum site focuses on the role of the Tuskegee airmen in WWII. This site includes photos and facts about the significance of the Tuskegee airmen. Links to the exhibit guide, a lecture, and educational materials are also provided.
Handout
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: American Women and World War Ii

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the opportunities that women had during World War II to work in jobs that had previously been unimaginable. To assist working mothers, the first childcare programs were begun, and efforts were made to make jobs in the defense...
Unit Plan
Have Fun With History

Have Fun With History: World War Ii

For Students 9th - 10th
Learning module with activities, numerous videos and links to related resources on the 2nd World War. Topics range from general information, the war in Europe, the war in the Pacific, and other topics from 1939 until 1945.
Article
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Tween Tribune: The True Story of "Hidden Figures"

For Students 5th - 6th
"Hidden Figures" was a blockbuster movie and book about African-American women working for NASA beginning after WWII. These women not only made great strides for the space program but also advanced the civil rights movement. Learn more...
Graphic
Curated OER

Bessie Coleman

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Explore the important part that African Americans played in the history of flight in the U.S. After introductory notes on Bessie Coleman and William J. Powell, be sure to click on Black Wings Epilogue for histories of WWII pioneers. Also...
Graphic
Curated OER

William J. Powell

For Students Pre-K - 1st
Explore the important part that African Americans played in the history of flight in the U.S. After introductory notes on Bessie Coleman and William J. Powell, be sure to click on Black Wings Epilogue for histories of WWII pioneers. Also...