Students are introduced to Europe in the first half of the twentieth century. They learn about the causes and significant features of World War I. Then they explore and explain how and why Hitler was able to rise to power in the years after World War I. Next, they learn about key events in World War II. Finally, they learn about the Holocaust and write a personal diary response.
Students read an introduction to Europe in the era of the World Wars and view an image of World War I soldiers. They then complete a two-column table by writing what they already know about World War I and World War II.
Teacher MovesPreview the experience as an overview of both World Wars and highlight the connection between geography and conflict. Share the lesson objective, then review students’ table responses, correcting misconceptions and prompting them to identify where the wars began and which countries were involved.
Students view an image of a British tank attacked by the German army and watch the videos World War I Causes and World War I to learn about the war’s causes, new forms of weaponry, and major outcomes. As they watch, they complete a three-part graphic organizer, taking notes on causes, new forms of weaponry, and outcomes/results of World War I.
Teacher MovesGuide students through the overview of World War I, prompting them to capture key information in the organizer. Discuss student notes, emphasizing how widely the war affected Europe and the world and how the war’s outcome helped set the stage for World War II.
Students are introduced to Adolf Hitler and watch How Did Hitler Rise to Power? to understand how post–World War I conditions in Germany enabled Hitler and the Nazi Party to gain support. They respond to a class wall prompt explaining how the result of World War I was used by Hitler and the Nazis to seize power, then read classmates’ posts and reply to at least two with questions or positive comments. Next, students access the BBC timeline World War Two: History’s Most Savage and Devastating War and create their own timeline of ten important World War II events, either directly on a digital canvas or on paper and upload a photo.
Teacher MovesNote that much of the content is adapted from the TED-Ed lesson and may be supplemented with additional resources. Facilitate discussion about how the Treaty of Versailles and economic hardship contributed to Hitler’s rise, highlighting insightful student wall responses. Then review students’ World War II timelines, prompting them to explain why each selected event is significant and how the events connect across the war.
Students are prepared for the sensitive nature of the Holocaust and view images related to Jewish persecution. They watch The Holocaust and Anne Frank: Hiding and Arrest to learn both an overview of the Holocaust and a personal story. Students then read key excerpts from Anne Frank’s diary expressing her perspective and optimism. Finally, they write their own diary-style entry on a class wall, reflecting on a time they witnessed or knew of someone being treated poorly because of identity or circumstances, connecting that experience to what happened to Anne Frank and her family and comparing their own response to Anne’s.
Teacher MovesPrepare students emotionally by acknowledging the disturbing nature of the Holocaust and inviting questions and discussion. After students view the resources and write diary entries, sensitively review their posts, asking permission before sharing any with the class. Use selected entries to foster discussion about prejudice, persecution, and empathy, and encourage interested students to read more from Anne Frank’s full diary.
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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