Students brainstorm the characteristics of a hero. Then they learn about the Tuskegee Airmen program and explain its contribution to integration of the U.S. military. Next they learn about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the issue of the internment camps. They form an opinion if those wrongly interred deserve compensation. Then they learn about the Code Talkers and explain why they were able to develop a successful code. Finally, students write a citation to accompany a Medal of Honor.
Students read an introduction to World War II heroes and the lesson objectives, view an image of a medal ceremony, and respond to a word cloud prompt by posting words or short phrases that describe the characteristics of a hero.
Teacher MovesPreview the experience, including key vocabulary and objectives, then facilitate a brief discussion of students’ word cloud responses to build a shared class understanding of what makes someone a hero before moving on.
Students examine images of the Tuskegee Airmen, read background text about the creation and achievements of this segregated African American air unit, and watch the video Tuskegee Airmen to learn how their combat record challenged racist beliefs and influenced the decision to integrate the U.S. military. They then respond on a class wall explaining the outcome of the Tuskegee Airmen program.
Teacher MovesInvite a volunteer to summarize the video, then guide discussion to highlight how the Tuskegee Airmen disproved racist assumptions and contributed to the integration of the armed forces. Review and share strong wall responses, using them to reinforce how their service led President Truman to order military integration.
Students read about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a highly decorated World War II unit of Asian American soldiers, and watch the video Lost Battalion to deepen their understanding of the unit’s bravery and sacrifices. They examine an image of a Japanese American child awaiting relocation and read text explaining Japanese American internment and the later government apology and compensation. Students then post to a class wall stating and explaining their opinion on whether the government should pay people who were unfairly imprisoned during wartime.
Teacher MovesClarify the historical context of the 442nd Regiment and Japanese American internment, emphasizing the contrast between soldiers’ service and their families’ treatment. Facilitate discussion around students’ wall responses, prompting them to support their opinions with reasoning and to consider issues of justice, rights, and government responsibility.
Students view images related to Code Talkers, read about the use of American Indian languages—especially Navajo—as unbreakable military codes in World Wars I and II, and read Navajo Code Talkers to learn more about their role and the secrecy surrounding their contributions. They then post on a class wall explaining why the Navajo language was such a successful code.
Teacher MovesDiscuss the strategic importance of secure communication in war and why Navajo and other Indigenous languages were so effective as codes. Highlight key ideas from students’ wall posts, explaining that the complexity and uniqueness of Navajo made it nearly impossible for non-speakers, including other U.S. personnel, to decipher.
Students view images of World War II Medals of Honor and reflect on the three groups they have studied. They choose one group—the Tuskegee Airmen, the 442nd Regiment, or the Code Talkers—and write a short citation to accompany a Medal of Honor recognizing that group’s service. Students then read classmates’ citations and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesRemind students of the key contributions and challenges faced by each group, and model the tone and structure of a respectful, specific citation. Encourage students to reference concrete examples from the lesson in their writing and guide peer feedback so that comments are constructive, focused on honoring service, and grounded in historical understanding.
©2026 Exploros. All rights reserved.