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A World at War
Two cataclysmic events during the first half of the 20th century dramatically altered the United States, the world, and history. Art, literature, technology, medicine, housing, the role of women in society --in fact, the entire political, social, and physical landscape of the world -- were forever changed by World War I and World War II, wars that most people living today know little about.
Your students cannot understand the world today unless they understand how those wars changed the countries they were fought in and the people who fought them.
This week, Education World presents "A World at War," a collection of eight lesson plans to help your students understand their world. Use these lessons to teach students about the events and historical significance of the two great wars of the 20th century.
Each activity is briefly explained below. Click on the title of an activity to link to a detailed lesson plan.
Art Imitates Life
Students examine postcards depicting World War I events and create prints that reflect their lives.
What Qualities Does a Hero Have?
Students study the biography of a World War I hero and write autobiographies predicting the course of their lives.
Poetry of War and Peace
Students read and discuss the poem "In Flanders Fields," then write poems evoking images of peacetime.
World War I Art and Artists
Students explore paintings of World War I, research artists, and explain what the artists tried to convey in the paintings.
Those Who Fought
Students read interviews with World War II veterans, then interview family or community members who fought in the war.
A Student's Perspective on World War II
Students work with students in other countries to compare the World War II information each country's textbooks contain.
Breaking the Code
Students learn about the importance of cryptography in World War II, create number-based codes, and write messages to stump friends.
It's Up for Debate
Students work in teams to explore a variety of issues related to World War II, review the decisions that were made at the time, and debate the correctness of those decisions.
Linda Starr
Education World®
Copyright © 2007 Education World
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