Lesson Plan: Telling the Story of World War II
High School
Two class periods; 10 minute introduction; at-home examination of sources; 30-40 minute in-class discussion and activity
In this lesson, high school students will use primary and secondary sources that illuminate the experiences of individuals buried at Arlington National Cemetery. These perspectives include African American women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, fighter pilots who served the Pacific Theater, Japanese Americans, military wives, and survivors of the Holocaust.
Students select a perspective, read an article related to that topic, and then watch an oral history interview with an individual who lived through World War II. After completing their own study, students participate in a discussion on the uses of primary and secondary sources. They will discuss how primary and secondary sources on their chosen topic contributed to their understanding of World War II as a whole. If you have comments or feedback for this lesson plan,
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