Was bombing German cities an effective means to an end, or was it a war crime? Could it be both? Young historians ponder these questions with an activity that prompts them to use primary sources to summarize the debate surrounding RAF...

Students examine the characteristics of expressionist and comtemporary art. They view a video clip and use the internet to see examples of each. They analyze the role of propoganda and symbols in art as well.

Students explore Nazi Germany by completing several worksheets. In this Adolf Hitler lesson, students identify Hitler's role in the holocaust, his role in the German community and his mindset. Students read the poem "The Hangman" by...

Students examine the implications of the burning of the Reichstag in 1933. Using the Weimer Constitution as a guide, they identify issues that allowed for Hitler and the Nazi party to gain power. In groups, they create a web of the...

Students view the treatment of people of Japanese and German descent during World War II. They explore the problems in assigning blame to populations during times of war. They identify modern examples of discrimination and stereotyping.

Young scholars explore language arts by completing an in-class phonics activity. In this word structure lesson, students utilize the Internet to identify the sounds that different letter combinations make. Young scholars practice...

Students examine World War II through the use of literature. As a class, they brainstorm a list of words they relate to the war itself. In groups, they read various novels and view photographs showing the experiences of the Jews,...

High schoolers examine the nations, battlefields, troop movement of the Germans through Belgium and the location of both fronts during World War I by creating a map. They visualize the strength of the Germans early in the war.

Planning a novel study of Lois Lowry's Number the Stars? Then look no further. A 16-lesson unit guides students through a reading of this awarding-winning novel. Complete with a synopsis of the novel, analysis of its literary themes,...

Rich with primary sources and additional resources, this plan asks class members to think critically about newspaper coverage of the Holocaust. Focusing in particular on the analysis of the article "150th Anniversary: 1851-2001: Turning...

Young scholars read the novel, "The Diary of Anne Frank". Using the internet, they gather information on the effect of the Versailles Treaty, formation of the Weimer Republic and the Nazi Party on the Holocaust. They view propaganda...

Twelfth graders examine what occured at the Wannsee Conference during World War II. Using documents, they discover how the conference fits into the final solution of the Jewish question. They analyze the language used and the attitudes...

Learners examine the experiences of Japanese-Americans at the beginning of World War II in America. After watching an excerpt from "The War", they answer reflection questions about the Japanese being put into internment camps. In groups,...

Students begin reading the graphic novel "Maus". Using the Internet, they discover fundamental differences between Judaism and Christianity. Using excerpts from the novel, they identify animal metaphors used for nationalities and ethnic...

Students discover what a dictatorship is by examining the holocaust.  In this government lesson, students discuss the laws that were enacted for Nazis to take control of Germany, and the types of laws we have put place to prevent...

Students explain the significance of the Horseshoe Curve.  For this railroad lesson students reconstruct elements of a German plot to destroy the Horseshoe Curve. 

Students read a story about a Japanese man wanting to save the Jews from Germany, Japan's allies at the beginning of the war. Reading various texts, they examine the life of Chiune Sugihara and how he saved many Jews from death. They...

Students explore U.S. History by researching Kansas. In this immigration instructional activity, students discuss the benefits of immigrating to a state like Kansas in the 1800's while writing their thoughts and research in a reporter's...

Students read a scenerio about people who lived in Germany during Nazi rule. As a class, they discuss the situations the character finds herself in and identify her responsiblities to her family. They answer discussion questions and...

Pupils identify the key facts from a news story. They write their own news story from given facts identified. In addition, they present their notes and stories to the classroom. Also, they classify a variety of news articles in a variety...

Fifth graders explore world history by reading historical fiction. In this World War II lesson, 5th graders read the story My Secret War and identify the importance of fiction when analyzing history. Students answer study questions about...

Students research the way of life of the Jews before Kristallnacht. Using new vocabulary and resources, they discover how carefree life was before the days of discrimination and antisemitism. In groups, they create a timeline of the...

Seventh graders role-play the role of people in different cultures throughout Europe. After the role-play, they discuss the main characteristics of culture and identify where they were seen. They discover how the government of certain...