The purpose of this project is to engage students in a hands-on exploration of World War II by creating their own museum exhibits. Students will delve into the political, economic, and social impacts of WWII on the U.S., both on the home front and the war front, through research and analysis of primary sources. By crafting authentic-looking primary sources and assembling informative exhibits, students will deepen their understanding of historical events and the importance of preserving historical narratives. This project fosters self-directed learning, critical thinking, and collaboration, culminating in a classroom museum that showcases their findings and insights.
Learning goals
Students will critically analyze the political, economic, and social impacts of World War II on both the U.S. home front and the war front, utilizing primary sources to deepen their understanding. They will develop skills in research, synthesis, and creative expression by crafting authentic-looking primary sources and constructing museum exhibits. Through peer feedback and self-reflection, students will refine their work and gain insights into their learning processes. The project encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication, fostering a comprehensive understanding of historical events and their lasting significance.
Standards
[Massachusetts] USII.T3.5 - Using primary sources such as news articles/analyses, editorials, and radio/newsreel coverage, analyze one of the events that led to World War II, one of the major battles of the war and its consequences, or one of the conferences of Allied leaders following the war:
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Products
Students will create dynamic museum exhibits that visually and textually present their research on World War II topics. These exhibits will include a written summary, a fabricated primary source, and a real primary source, all of which will be displayed using creative mediums like tri-fold boards, multimedia presentations, or 3-D models. The final products will be showcased in a gallery walk, allowing students to engage with and learn from each other's work. Additionally, students will complete a reflection worksheet to assess their learning and the effectiveness of their exhibits in conveying historical significance.
Launch
Begin the project with an immersive role-play activity where students are assigned different roles representing various perspectives from the WWII era, such as soldiers, factory workers, journalists, or government officials. Set the scene by transforming the classroom into a 1940s setting with period-appropriate music and visuals. Students will engage in a brief simulation or debate, discussing the immediate impacts of a significant WWII event, such as the attack on Pearl Harbor or the implementation of rationing on the home front. This activity will spark curiosity and provide a dynamic entry point into their research and exhibit creation.
Exhibition
At the conclusion of the project, students will transform their classroom into a World War II museum, showcasing their exhibits to classmates and other students in the school. Each group will present their displays, which include both fabricated and real primary sources, to visiting peers, encouraging interactive discussions and questions. The exhibits will remain on display in a common area of the school for a week, allowing the broader school community to engage with and learn from the students' work. A reflection worksheet will be completed by students after visiting the exhibits, fostering self-assessment and peer feedback.