World War I and II Analysis

Attack on Pearl Harbor! Using photos, prints, and documents for Historical Sleuthing.

Instructor will:

Ask participants if they remember where they were and what they were doing on Sept. 11?  Explain that this sense of memory was similar for those who lived in the 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  Explain that the Library of Congress has a collection of “Man on the Street” interviews with a cross-section of Americans following Pearl Harbor.

Participants will:

  1. Write down everything they know about Pearl Harbor on a KWL Chart.
  2. Write down everything they want to know about Pearl Harbor on KWL Chart.
  3. Share what they already know with the group and share what they want to know.  Giant KWL on Post-It Board
  4. Instructor will:  Emphasize 1-2 Historical Sleuthing Questions from those listed on the “Want to Know” section of the chart.
  5. Be assigned to groups according to color, and be given a primary source related to Pearl Harbor attack.
  6. Analyze primary source assigned to them, using different worksheets according to format.  (prints or photos, sound recordings, document, motion picture, etc.)
  7. Present their primary source to the group.
  8. Complete their KWL Chart with what they have learned about Pearl Harbor.  What questions were answered?  What additional questions remain?  Where could you go to find the answers?  Other primary sources such as maps, war plans, Japanese records, etc. and secondary sources.
  9. Brainstorm ideas about what they would have students do next to demonstrate understanding and historical habits of mind.  Brainstorm Product Ideas.
  10. Brainstorm how they could apply this same lesson concept to their own content area.
  11. Give examples of how this lesson/activity builds empathy, and perspective, knowledge through self-discovery and application, and explanation and interpretation of subject matter. 

Putting It All Together – World War I Using all media formats for Historical Sleuthing.

Instructors will:

  1. Show participants how to access American Memory, Learning Page, Professional Development, Self-Serve, and the workshop entitled:  Primary Sources.
  2. Have participants go through steps to Evaluating Primary Sources workshop and pay special attention to What do you see? (photo & motion picture) and What do you hear?(audio) potions.  Perhaps provide hard copies of Scan-Examine-Analyze-Compare strategy to participants.
  1. Direct all participants to Putting It All Together!  Create knowledge base about World War I through use of a Gossip Sheet. 
  2. Each person should use the Scan – Examine – Analyze – Compare technique or another primary source analysis strategy to evaluate one primary source as part of a set examining World War I.  Encourage participants to go back and review Scan – Examine – Analyze – Compare technique as they do so.
  3. Have participants share their findings regarding their WWI primary source, and add to knowledge base / Gossip Sheet. 
  4. Brainstorm ideas for students to demonstrate empathy, and perspective, knowledge through self-discovery and application and explanation and interpretation of subject matter.
  5. Complete Lesson Plan Analysis and discuss suggestions for student use.