Technology and World War II in the Classroom

This is a collection of resources teachers can use to help students better understand the complicated issues of World War II. This page was inspired by Russ a talented teacher in Riverside, IL.

For years Russ has used a simulation activity with his students BEFORE he starts the study of World War II. Students are grouped and are assigned a country with a fictitious name. The students are given information and begin to negotiate with the other groups. Russ reports almost every year the students end up going to war. On a few occasions a very strong student emerges, and the class prevents war. (I wanted to know where those students are now).

After the simulation, students begin to study the war and suddenly the students identify their countries and are emotionally connected and interested in the outcome. Russ reports his students love this unit and it is reflected in the assessments. (I would like to follow-up with those students, I am sure they remember their country).

I  worked with Russ to share his success. In the past this has been a "non-tech" project. As we plan and work together, that may change. This page is dedicated to a number of on-line resources. These are just a few of my resources, more will be added soon!

Check back soon! Any questions e-mail me meg@techteachers.com

http://www.private-art.com/ This site tells the story of Word War II through actual postcards sent during the war. This site tells a story in a way that really engages the reader.

http://www.remc11.k12.mi.us/bstpract/bpIII/004/004.PDF A complete unit plan using the software Axis and Allies World War II Simulation.

http://www.besthistorysites.net/WWII.shtml A rich collection of resources.

http://www.areyougame.com/Interact/Axis_and_Allies__iAV4423.html Board game Axis and Allies World War II Simulation game is about forty dollars.

http://www.computer-games-station.com/video-games/6206.htm Axis and Allies World War II Simulation game is about twelve dollars.

http://www.warfoto.com/ War photos.

http://www.district96.w-cook.k12.il.us/hauser/classpages/people/WWIIVideoProject.html Video project and links.

http://www.district96.w-cook.k12.il.us/hauser/classpages/people/WorldWarII-Part2.html Part 2 of the video project.

http://www.district96.w-cook.k12.il.us/hauser/classpages/people/PearlHarbor.html More resources.
http://www.thedropzone.org/
The Drop Zone Virtual Museum features interviews with Airborne and Ranger veterans.

http://www.webring.org/cgi-bin/webring?ring=ww2;list
This webring list contained 596 sites, many of which provide personal remembrances.

http://www.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1997/2/97.02.03.x.html A unit of study through the eyes of a child.