United Nations Lesson Plans

Sometimes we may forget that we live in a world where there are organizations devoted to maintaining a peaceful world. The United Nations is one of them. It is an international organization that is concerned with balancing and keeping harmony around the world. This organization was founded in 1945 right after World War II. Since its creation, the United Nations has expanded it's mission of peace and security to include other issues concerning the world, like human rights, international law, and humanitarian affairs.  

This UN was established on October 24, 1945 with only 51 countries participating. The goal was to maintain world peace after the horrors of the Second World War. President Franklin D. Roosevelt coined the name for the organization. Currently, the United Nations has 192 countries participating. Some of the United Nations current global concerns include the situations in Iraq, the Sudan, and Palestine. The United Nations has been providing peacekeeping support around the world for over 60 years.

Before the United Nations made New York City its permanent home, meetings were conducted in different parts of the world. In 1945 several government representatives voted to have the United Nations officially located in the United States. Finally, in 1951, the United Nations officially opened. The United Nations has a special agreement with U. S. government which gives certain diplomatic privileges to members and staff. In addition to hosting the world leaders, the United Nations also provides the public with tours in 20 different languages.

United Nations Lesson Plans:

Helping Hands:Examining the United Nations Security-  In this lesson students learn to understand the role of the United Nations Security Council. Students research major problems that the Security Council may deal with, they will also present findings and explain how the Security Council will provide aid.

Iraq: How did we get here?-  Students will explore the role of United States Defense department and the United Nations as a peacekeeping agency. Students will also complete a U.N. handout and use the Internet for research. 

Decolonization and Self-Determination- In this lesson has students learn about European and American colonization and investigate the decolonization process. They will also research the role of the United Nations.

Secret Agent Men: Intelligence Agencies around the World- Students will research the role of the Secret agents around the world. They will also participate in a mock United Nations conference focusing on government intelligence.