Literature & Social Studies Co-Curricular Unit

Anthony Mangette - Central Crossing High School

8,300,000 . . . . . . .  Estimated combatants killed, all nations in the Great War

23,000,000,000 . . . . . . .  Reparations demanded by Allied Powers in dollars

Grade Level(s): 10-12

Subject(s)

Duration: 4 Days:

Overview: As the initial lesson of the Literature of World War I Unit, this two-part activity will provide a background and solid foundation of World War I which will be enhanced upon as the further lessons become more engrossing and involved.  Also, this activity is designed to help students appreciate the geography, actions, and relationships of countries involved in World War I.  This lesson begins with an introduction followed by the research.  It culminates with an assessment piece.

Purpose: Provide knowledge and reasoning of World War I.  Information learned in this lesson will be used as a framework for successive lessons.

State Standards:

1.  Grade 10-12 – 20^th Century Conflict (Social Studies)

2.  Grade 10-12 - literature, reading, and communication skills (English)

Objectives: The students will:

1. Identify causes and effects of World War I.

2. Locate, identify, and provide historical reference for the countries involved.

3. Identify and provide historical reference for the people involed.

Resources/Materials:

Student Materials:

Notebook

Teacher Materials:

Presentation tool - overhead projector, lcd projector, white board, chalkboard

Activities and Procedures:

Day 1 - Introduce the topic of World War I and provide a brief overview

1.  General questions to the class about the late 1800's

    a)  What was the Industrial Revolution and when was it?

    b)  What was the situation in the United States like at the turn of the century?

    c)  What was the situation of the World at the turn of the century?

2.  General questions about the new century:

    a)  What was the culture in America in the early 20th century?

    b)  What major events occurred prior between 1890-1910?

    c)  Who were the major "players" of this era?

    d)  What new inventions were in the limelight or on its way?

3.  General questions about World War I?

    a)  Who was involved in World War I?

    b)  What was the major cause(s) of WWI?

    c)  Who was the president of the U.S. at this time?

    d)  When did the U.S. enter the war?

    e)  Why did they call it The Great War?

    f)  What were some of the highlights or major events of WWI?

    g)  What were the results of WWI?

Day 2-3 - Research of WWI with follow-up discussion

Using resources from the classroom text or the Media Center (preferred), identify:

    a)  The countries involved in WWI

    b)  The leaders of each country involved in WWI

    c)  The causes of WWI (list 2)

    d)  5 major battles - location, participants, outcome, and impact

    e)  Identify 5 important facts about the U.S. involvement in WWI

    f)  Treaty of Versailles

    g)  League of Nations

    h)  Sinking of the Lusitania & Sussex

    i)  2 important facts about WWI not mentioned above

Day 4 - Discussion and Assessment

1)  Students will present the information above for participation points.  First, the instructor will randomly select students to answer the questions above making sure that each student gets an opportunity to answer a question. 

2)  Upon completion of information a-h (above), each student will then present 1 of their 2 important facts that they found not mentioned in a-h.  Again the instructor must ensure that each student has the opportunity to present.

3)  Upon completion of discussion, students will hand-in their work and teacher will denote participation points.  Instructor will grade the work based on the assessment guidelines below.