Lesson Plan
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Why Empire? Why War?

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders examine the purpose of territorial expansion. In this World History instructional activity, 10th graders analyze various articles on World War II.  Students prepare arguments for and against territorial expansion. 
Lesson Plan
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Foreign Policy: Containment

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine opinions regarding the American policy of containment. In this Cold War lesson, students read articles by George F. Kennan and Walter Lippmann. Students compare the perspectives of the 2 men on U.S. foreign policy.
Lesson Plan
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Historical Lessons on Wartime and Race Relations

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students identify perceptions towards Asians widely held by the American public through the analysis of political cartoons from the 1940's. They recognize the ramifications of such perceptions on Asian American and Arab American.
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Introduction to the Cold War

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Students explore the correlation between the Cold War and the Domino Theory.  In this history instructional activity, students watch a short video that exhibits the domino effect, then divide into small groups, each representing an...
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What is to Become of the World After the War?

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students analyze primary sources regarding World War II. In this World War II activity, students read "The Atlantic Charter," and respond to questions about the document. 
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Stereotypes and Cross-Cultural Understanding

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Pupils continue to examine the topic of stereotypes. In groups, they role-play the roles of the "in-group" and "out group". Using the internet, they research the role of polarized stereotyping in war situations and read an article to...
Lesson Plan
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20th Century Civil Disobedience

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Young scholars write from varying perspectives in the American South about the civil rights movements in the 1950s. In this civics lesson, students view video clips and take notes. Young scholars discuss the film and listen to a lecture...
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Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Here’s the overview for a series of lessons about the Japanese American internment introduced by the resource entitled “A Fence Away From Freedom.” Included are the link to the Smithsonian website on which the lessons are based, a list...
Lesson Plan
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Altoona Horseshoe Curve: A Vital Link

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers explain the significance of the Horseshoe Curve.  For this railroad lesson students reconstruct elements of a German plot to destroy the Horseshoe Curve. 
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Religious Revival: The American Response to the Cold War

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Learners examine the impact of religion on the Cold War. In this Cold War lesson, students analyze speeches delivered by Lenin, Truman, and Graham regarding the role of religion in society. As a culminating activity, learners are tested...
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Introduction to World War II

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders recognize why wars are started and identify and color 3 countries involved with World War II.
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Hitler¿¿¿s Fatal Gamble ? Comparing Totalitarianism and Democracy

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students compare/contrast totalitarianism and democracy and examine their roles in World War II. They read a handout, complete a Venn diagram, and participate in a class discussion.
Lesson Plan
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Where in the World War? Mapping the Geography of D-Day

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine how to read maps for historical information. They listen to a lecture on the history of D-Day, analyze a historical map of the invasion of Normandy, and answer discussion questions.
Lesson Plan
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The Cold War and Development of Post-War America

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars view examples of political advertisements during the years of 1952 through 1964. After viewing, they discuss how the Cold War and the threat of Communism affected the development of the United States. They compare the Cold...
Lesson Plan
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Japanese-Americans of World War II

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students research the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II and Roosevelt's Executive Order. They listen to an audio file of the Fifth Amendment before holding a mock trial about the policy of internment of...
Lesson Plan
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World War II: Causes and Consequences

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders examine Hitler's occupation of Europe and the Allies' efforts to fight it.  In this World War II lesson, 10th graders examine how World War II changed American society, especially for women.  Students analyze a...
Lesson Plan
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Arab Americans: In the Aftermath of the Terrorist Attacks on the U.S.

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students examine the effects of the terrorist attacks in 2001. In this lesson on discrimination and the dangers of stereotyping, students will expand their understanding of stereotyping in contemporary society and compare in to similar...
Lesson Plan
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Bible--Anti-Semitism

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students define anti-Semitism and list reasons that Hitler believed Jews were the most inferior race.  In this anti-Semitism lesson, students discuss anti-Semitism and search a website to find reasons Hitler and others give for...
Lesson Plan
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The Cold War at Home

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders discover the perspective of Cold War on the American homefront. In this Cold War lesson, 11th graders watch Duck and Cover video segments that instruct citizens what to do in case of nuclear attack. Students discuss the...
Lesson Plan
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World War II: Modern History of Hawaii

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Young scholars examine world geography by viewing a documentary film in class. In this World War II lesson, students discuss the role Hawaii played in the great battle and what type conflicts happened among the island chain. Young...
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"Dear Ma and Pa" Primary Documents: Letters Home from the War

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Pupils read and analyze letters written by a soldier during World War II. They discuss using letters as a primary source of historical information, complete a worksheet, and write a letter to a loved one.
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GI's, Gals & Gardens

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students, in groups, design a war participation campaign for a specific audience during WWII. They design posters and prepare an oral presentation for the class.
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A Timeline of Cold War Events

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Young scholars create a timeline of the major events of the Cold War and explain their effect on Canada. They utilize a worksheet and a website imbedded in this plan which guide their research and presentations.
Lesson Plan
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The Berlin Wall

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students enter the classroom and observe a wall that is set up with desks, bookshelves, or anything else available. to create a barrier that they cannot cross during the class. The class then is divided into East and West Berlin with the...