Smithsonian Institution
POWs
Why did Vietnam POWs and their families receive more media attention than POWs in previous wars? To answer this question, class members view artifacts, read articles, and engage in class discussion. Individuals then assume the voice of...
Curated OER
Art Imitates Life
Elementary and middle schoolers examine postcards depicting World War I events. Eventually, they create prints that reflect their own lives. In an interesting blend of history and current events, this lesson should engage your kids in...
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Influencing Attitudes
Does propaganda—like that used during the first World War—exist today? The 11th lesson in a series of 12 highlights the role of media when it comes to influencing attitudes. Scholars learn about sensational headlines, misrepresentation...
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Propaganda and Its Effects on WWI
Learners learn about propaganda. In this WWI lesson, students define the term propaganda. Working in groups, they are given a packet of postcards and posters used during WWI. They answer questions about their uses and write a summary on...
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War Time Propaganda: American Posters of the Great War
Students identify propaganda related to World War and discuss its impact on society and research issues related to the American war effort between 1914 and 1918.
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My Secret War: Lesson 12
Fifth graders explore how the war affected American children. In this social studies lesson, 5th graders discuss how quotes made people feel about the war effort. Students write reflections on their reading.
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Japanese American Internment: Examining Racial Tensions
High schoolers discover how racial tension led to Japanese Internment. In this World War II lesson, students analyze political cartoons and posters related to the movement of Japanese-Americans to internment camps in the wake of the...
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Brave New World
Students view a video about the effects of World War II on the map of Europe. They discuss the video and answer questions. They work together to identify accomplishments that best represent American culture.
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German Propaganda in World War I
Students examine the effect of propaganda as a form of psychological warfare this gives students an opportunity to analyze primary source documents, and to develop skills in discussion, debate, and persuasive writing.
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TB - Lusitania Day (1916)
Students, after brainstorming all the different types of propaganda, explore, analyze and study the nature, origin and purpose of propaganda and how its aims are achieved. They assess how the sinking of the Lusitania was manipulated by...
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What Was South Carolina's Role in the Spanish American War?
Seventh graders investigate the role of South Carolina in the Spanish American War. In this imperialism lesson, 7th graders analyze primary documents and photographs, in collaborative groups, to determine how the state was involved in...
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Patriotic Arts: Influencing Canadians At War
Students study how war has shaped Canadian life, patriotism, propaganda, and music. They research primary source documents, novels, videos, and songs before celebrating Remembrance Day.
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World War II Multimedia Newscast: History, Technology, Journalism
High schoolers compose a multi-media newscast on various subjects relating to WWII to demonstrate their knowledge and ability to research.
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World War One- Lesson #1 of 3
Eleventh graders search an online database for World War I posters, newspapers, magazines and other media. They write an essay about public sentiment of the time based on the research.
EngageNY
Building Background Knowledge: The Internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII, Part 4
Learners use a Analyzing Mediums handout to detail the advantages and disadvantages of communicating with mediums such as artwork, photographs, and political cartoons in the Japanese-American Internment during World War II primary...
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Perception Propaganda
Eleventh graders explore the various uses of perception, propaganda, and perspective. In this Social Studies lesson plan, 11th graders distinguish between fact and fiction. Students analyze the impact of conflict on society.
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Remembering the First
Students examine words and phrases associated with World War I as an introduction the era. They explore the legacy of World War I by reading and discussing "The War to End All Wars If Only." Students write obituries for fallen World...
The New York Times
Teaching Orwell and '1984’ with the New York Times
Doublethink and alternate facts? Big Brother and Facebook? 1984 and 2019? Sales of 1984 have surged and so has the use of George Orwell's dystopian classic in classrooms. Whether new to teaching the novel or a seasoned veteran you'll...
Digital Public Library of America
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Zora Neale Hurston's novel Their eyes Were Watching God has been highly praised and severely criticized for its depiction of African American folk culture. A set of primary source materials, including photographs, articles, essays, and...
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Memorandum Regarding the
Students use the National Archives to research the memorandum regarding the enlistment of Navajo Indians during World War II.
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Fallout
Students view a short film about the results of dropping the atomic bomb at the end of World War II. They research controversies surrounding the use of the bomb and nuclear weapons. They write two editorials about the issue.
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WWI Home Front
Students examine WWI topics and answer questions about them. In this WWI propaganda instructional activity, students examine cartoons used during WWI and answer questions about the propaganda. Students then read letters about influenza...
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What Arkansans Contributed to the WW I War Effort
Learners examine the Arkansas as home front support during World War I. They determine why the troops who were overseas during the War were important to those at home. They look at the war effort and locate the area of Arkansas were...
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Laurence of Arabia
High schoolers critically examine the life and contributions of Lawrence of Arabia to the modern Middle East. They view a video on Laurence of Arabia. Students discuss the movie. High schoolers create a propaganda posters or stories...