Students begin with a map-based activity that challenges them to pose questions about Korea. Next, they learn the facts about the events of the Korean War. Then, they examine the effects of the war, including its lasting impact on the United States and the world. Finally, they work in small groups to prepare a report on the current conflict between North Korea and the United States.
Students read an introduction to the Korean War and its significance, then examine a nighttime satellite image of the Korean Peninsula to locate the border between North and South Korea and notice differences in development. Working in a shared table, they pose one or more questions based on what they observe in the image. They then read brief background information comparing the populations, wealth, and development of North and South Korea, with the option to explore South v North Korea: How Do the Two Countries Compare? Visualized for additional detail.
Teacher MovesUse the class’s questions to prompt inference and discussion about differences between North and South Korea, guiding students toward accurate conclusions about population, industrialization, and military power. Clarify that limited lighting in North Korea does not necessarily indicate weaker military strength, and, if time permits, optionally show Jimmy Kimmel Asked Americans to Find North Korea on a Map to challenge students to locate Korea and reflect on U.S. awareness of the region.
Students view an image of U.S. Marines landing at Incheon and watch the video The Korean War: 5 Things To Know to learn the major events and concepts of the war, including the 38th parallel, containment, the course of the fighting, stalemate, and the armistice. They take structured notes in a graphic organizer aligned to these key topics. Students then answer two multiple-choice questions about the division of Korea and General MacArthur’s dismissal. Next, they read the article 8 Things You Should Know about the Korean War and post written responses explaining the reasons for the Korean War, using information from both the video and article. Finally, they share an interesting fact from the article that was not mentioned in the video.
Teacher MovesInvite several students to share notes from each section of the organizer and lead a brief review of the war’s key phases. Prompt a student to define containment aloud and connect it explicitly to U.S. efforts to stop the spread of communism. After students post reasons for the war, highlight one or two exemplary responses and summarize the main causes, including superpower rivalry, fears of a domino effect, competing governments in North and South Korea, and the North Korean invasion.
Students read about the human and global impacts of the Korean War by examining casualty data in Korean War Fast Facts and then reading the “Effects” section of The Real Causes and Disastrous Effects of the Korean War. They consider additional listed effects such as limited war, U.N. military involvement, Japan’s economic growth, and shifts in power in China and Taiwan. Students respond to a poll on whether the United States gained, lost, or came out even from the war, then post written explanations supporting their choice with evidence. They review classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with questions or positive comments.
Teacher MovesUse students’ poll choices and written justifications to launch a discussion about how historians interpret the war’s outcome, referencing the view that the negotiated settlement seemed like a defeat or, at best, a draw. As appropriate, direct interested students to additional resources such as Korean War: A Fresh Perspective, Aftermath of the Korean War, and the video and article in Why the Korean War Still Matters to deepen understanding of the war’s long-term consequences and ongoing tensions.
In small groups, students research the current situation in Korea and create a report on ongoing tensions and relationships involving North Korea, South Korea, the United States, and other nations, including the role of the United Nations or other international organizations and any recent military actions or threats. Their report includes: brief descriptions of present-day North and South Korea; clear identification of current issues; a 21st-century chronology or timeline of key Korea-related events; at least two proposed solutions with their results or pros and cons; and at least one relevant photo. Groups post their report to a shared discussion wall or publish it using a digital tool such as Prezi, Tiki-Toki, an online presentation platform, or another approved format and share the link.
Teacher MovesDiscuss groups’ reports as time permits, inviting students to compare findings, highlight key patterns in current Korean Peninsula tensions, and reflect on how the legacy of the Korean War shapes present-day conflicts and diplomacy.
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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