Curated OER
The U. S. at War
Students examine reasons for going to war. In this foreign policy lesson, students analyze the reasons the U.S. entered the the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the...
TED-Ed
Lessons from Auschwitz: The Power of Our Words
Some words are best left unspoken. Words matter, according to Benjamin Zander, conductor, teacher, and lecturer. To illustrate his point, Zander recounts a story told to him by a survivor of Auschwitz. As a result of her experience this...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Rise and Fall of Joseph McCarthy
"I have here in my hand . . ." The war against Communism and Joseph McCarthy’s place in it are the focus of a series of lessons examining postwar America from 1945-1954. Joseph McCarthy takes center stage in this, the final lesson of the...
Curated OER
The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Treaty of Versailles
Students identify the advantages and disadvantages of the Treaty of Versailles. Using the text of the treaty, they discover it created more tension between groups then bringing peace to the region. They discuss how this treaty could have...
Curated OER
Sow the Seeds of Victory! Posters from the Food Administration During World War I
Young scholars engage in a class analysis of posters, responding to each of the worksheet questions. They identify the similarities and differences between the posters.
Facing History and Ourselves
The Nazi Party Platform
Not all party platforms stay democratic. A resource covers many political issues in Germany during the time of World War II, and teaches pupils about the Nazi party platform and what went wrong. Individuals participate in a warm-up...
Curated OER
Wartime Posters
Students recognize that, America's eventual involvement in World War II, not everyone initially agreed that intervention was the answer. They conduct research about the political, economic, sociological, and historical factors in the...
Curated OER
Isolation or Intervention?
Students research the attitudes and politics of pre-World War II America. They become isolationists or interventionists and present their points of view during a simulated city council meeting.
Smithsonian Institution
Mobilizing Children
Scholars find out how the government used propaganda to mobilize children to help in the war effort. Lesson exercises include analyzing a quote from Franklin Roosevelt, viewing propaganda images and posters, and participating in a lively...
Curated OER
AGGRESSION Comprehension Worksheet
In this World War II worksheet, young scholars respond to 10 short answer questions regarding aggression of countries that feature the letters of the word "aggression" as mnemonic hooks.
Curated OER
Post-War Suburbanization: Causes and Interpretations
In this teaching American history worksheet, young scholars examine a primary source document regarding post-World War II suburbanization. Students discuss their impressions of the document.
Curated OER
World War II Veteran Interview Project
Students learn interview skills by formulating questions and videotaping an interview with a veteran.
Curated OER
Letters From the Front Lines
Students read a variety of letters from soliders who were on the front lines during World War II. After viewing an excerpt from "The War", they answer discussion and comprehension questions based on the letters and video. To end the...
Curated OER
The Battle of the Bulge
Students research the events and results of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. As a class, they discuss the role of the military in the entire European theater and write a paper describing the situations and conditions the...
Curated OER
Code Talkers
Students investigate the Navajo code talkers contributions to World War II. They read and discuss a fact sheet, and create and decode secret messages using a Navajo code talkers' dictionary.
Curated OER
The Blues: The Father of Rock And Roll
Middle schoolers examine influence The Blues had on Rock and Roll and the concomitant social, political, and economic factors and movements during the post-World War II period. Students then research and create multimedia reports on...
Curated OER
My Secret War: Lesson 14
Fifth graders explore the civilian role during World War II. In this social studies lesson, 5th graders write an "I Am an American" poem from the perspective of various Americans during the war.
Curated OER
My Secret War: Lesson 15
Fifth graders discuss civic responsibility. In this social studies lesson, student read about World War II. Students compose "I Am an American" poems and share with the class.
Curated OER
Why Empire? Why War?
Tenth graders examine the purpose of territorial expansion. In this World History lesson, 10th graders analyze various articles on World War II. Students prepare arguments for and against territorial expansion.
Curated OER
My Secret War: Lesson 7
Fifth graders discuss the cooperation of the civilian population during World War II. In this social studies lesson, 5th graders read My Secret War and complete reflection strips over the reading. Students discuss primary sources.
Curated OER
Battles and Events of World War II
In this battles and events of World War II study guide worksheet, students read the notes provided and add notes of their own.
Curated OER
My Secret War: Lesson 13
Fifth graders explore the effect of World War II on the lives of children in America. In this social studies lesson, 5th graders read My Secret War and discuss the events that occurred.
Curated OER
Immigration and Identity
Students will analyze four historical events: The Annexation of U.S. Southwest, The Mexican Revolution, The Great Depression, and World War II. They determine how each event affected immigration to the U.S. from Mexico and Central...
Curated OER
Decoding Nazi Secrets
Students practice decoding messages given the key. They continue to practice solving messages without a key. They must determine the best way to view the message. They examine secret messages during World War II.