Conflicts Abroad

 Time: 45 min.

Materials: KWL Chart

Timeline

Resource Page

Internet Access

Computer with Speakers

Photographs

Procedure:

As a group, complete the K and W sections of the KWL chart to reflect what the students “know” and “want to know” about what led to WWII.

Provide students with the timeline and resource page.  If you are not able to project the photographs, also provide copies of the photographs.  Note that the timeline is not complete.  It highlights some of the major events that represent what was going on in Europe before the United States entered WWII.

Chronologically review the events on the timeline, using the corresponding resources.  The teacher is a facilitator, guiding students by asking specific questions about information contained in each resource.  Focus on what they can tell is a fact versus what impression is given by each.  For example, the sound clip from Hitler’s speech gives the impression that he felt strongly about what he was saying, even though the students would not know what he was saying without the translation on the resource page.

The topics of Nazi beliefs and internment camps can be overwhelming for some students.  Others may want further information.  It is up to the judgment of the teacher to edit/add to the discussion as he/she sees fit for his/her classroom.  It is important for students to understand that there was conflict and injustices taking place in other parts of the world for years before the United States entered the war.  This will be revisited in the lesson titled America Enters the War.

Assessment:  As a group, complete the L section of the KWL chart to reflect what students have “learned.”