World War II

Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century World War II
Students first create a class K-W chart about World War II. Then they read about the European and Pacific fronts of the war. Next they analyze the pros and the cons of the Americans dropping the atomic bombs on Japan. Finally, they read a poem written by a child in a concentration camp and write a letter to an imaginary child there.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for World War II:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students brainstorm what they know about World War II. Then they read about the European and Pacific fronts of the war. Next they analyze the reasons and impacts of America dropping the atomic bombs on Japan. Finally, they examine the Holocaust and consider how it should be remembered.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 3.

If you have access to leveled readers about World War II or the Holocaust, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 50-60 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • occupied (military)
  • chancellor
  • atomic bomb
  • concentration camp
  • stanza

Objectives

  • Explain the causes of World War II
  • Describe the role of Pearl Harbor in the United States’ entry into World War II
  • Analyze the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan
  • Describe the significance of the Holocaust.


Engage


The Great Depression of the 1930s did not affect only the United States. Countries around the world faced serious economic problems. Germany was hit especially hard. The country was already dealing with problems left from World War I, and the Depression brought even more unemployment and hardship. During this time, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party gained power by promising jobs, national strength, and a better future. Hitler established a dictatorship and began expanding Germany’s control over other lands. These actions helped lead Europe toward another world war. In this experience, you will learn about World War II.

Objectives

  • Explain the causes of World War II
  • Describe the role of Pearl Harbor in the United States’ entry into World War II
  • Analyze the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan
  • Describe the significance of the Holocaust


photograph of Hitler standing in a lit window of a building, crowds below in the street

Crowd greets Adolph Hitler (in window)

following his inauguration as German chancellor, 1933


World War II was the deadliest war in modern history. What happened during and after the war still affects the world today. Before learning more about the war, let’s see what you already know.


In the table below, share something you already know about World War II. You may add a new idea or build on something another student has shared. If you do not know much about World War II yet, that is okay. Post a question you have about the war instead.


Students are not required to post to the chart in order to move on. Use the chart to get a reading of what students already know about the war. View any questions that they post and ensure that the questions are addressed, either directly or by referring the student to additional reading.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.


End of Preview
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