Students respond to a video on the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Then, they explore facts about the attacks, including events leading up the attacks. Next, they learn about the effects of the attacks, including the war on terror. Finally, they examine the pros and cons of the Patriot Act and create an infographic.
Students are introduced to the topic and objectives, then watch 9/11 Timeline to see on-the-scene video and reconstructions of the September 11 attacks. Drawing on the video and their prior knowledge, they collaboratively write a newspaper-style headline for the morning of September 12 in a shared table.
Teacher MovesReview the lesson objectives and briefly discuss the headlines students create, using them to surface initial impressions of 9/11 and to introduce the focus on facts and implications in the rest of the experience. Optionally, supplement the video with selected images from Sept. 11 through the Eyes of VII, Magnum, and Life, being mindful that some images may be disturbing and allowing time for debriefing as needed.
Students read September 11th to learn about the causes and effects of the 9/11 attacks, taking notes on main ideas and key details in a graphic organizer. They then read September 11th Terror Attacks Fast Facts and list up to three surprising facts in a shared table. Next, they answer a multiple-choice question about the purpose of the Department of Homeland Security and complete a drag-and-drop activity matching key names and groups (Iraq, al-Qaeda, Taliban, Osama bin Laden) to their descriptions.
Teacher MovesMonitor students’ note-taking and fact lists to check for understanding of the basic chronology, actors, and government responses to 9/11. Clarify misconceptions revealed in the multiple-choice and drag-and-drop activities, and, for interested students, point them to The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (9/11 Report) and The Terrorism and Extremist Violence in the United States (TEVUS) Database for deeper, long-term research.
Students read War on Terror Facts to learn about the global “war on terror” and refer back to relevant sections of September 11th on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the war on terror at home. Using evidence from these readings, they post a written response to a class wall explaining ways in which the war on terror has succeeded and ways in which it has failed.
Teacher MovesHighlight and share one or more thoughtful student responses to prompt whole-class discussion about the successes, costs, and ongoing challenges of the war on terror. Use this discussion to introduce multiple perspectives, and direct interested students to resources such as America Since 9/11: Timeline of Attacks Linked to the “War on Terror”, List of Unsuccessful Terrorist Attacks in the United States post-9/11, and Are We Winning the War on Terrorism? for broader context and more complex analysis.
Students learn about the Patriot Act as a major legislative response to 9/11, including its goals, expanded investigative powers, and the central debate between national security and civil liberties. In small groups, they read Everything you need to know about the Patriot Act debate and 11 Pros and Cons of the Patriot Act, then collaboratively design an impartial infographic that (1) presents reasons for and against the Patriot Act, (2) describes related constitutional issues, and (3) incorporates visuals such as timelines, lists, headlines, or photos. They may consult Infographics Zone as a model for effective infographic design and optionally use additional research sources. After posting their infographics to a shared wall, students review one another’s work and then respond individually to a poll indicating whether they are completely or mostly for or against the Patriot Act.
Teacher MovesSupport groups as they research and design their infographics, ensuring they include both sides of the debate and clearly identify constitutional concerns. Encourage students to examine each other’s infographics to broaden their understanding of the Patriot Act’s pros and cons, then use the posted work and poll results to facilitate a discussion in which students articulate and defend their positions with evidence. Recommend The Long-Term Impact of 9/11 for students interested in exploring how 9/11 and the war on terror have affected Muslim Americans.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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