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

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Here are the teacher pack items for World War II:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, 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.

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 role of the Holocaust.


Engage


The Great Depression of the 1930s didn’t affect only the United States. Countries all around the world were suffering. The situation was particularly bad in Germany, which had never recovered from the cost of defeat in World War I. A new leader, Adolf Hitler, arose by making the promise of a better future. The world was on the road to 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 role 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 is remembered as the most deadly war in modern history. Its outcome still affects the world today. Before learning about the war, let’s see what you already know.


In the table below, list something that you know about World War II. If someone has already listed what you know, try to post something else. If you do not know much about World War II, that is okay—post a question that you have about the war.


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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World War II
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