Fighting Heroes of World War II

Social Studies American History The United States in the 20th Century Fighting Heroes of World War II
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.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Fighting Heroes of World War II:

Preview - Scene 1
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Overview

In this experience, students brainstorm the characteristics of a hero. Then they learn about the Tuskegee Airmen and how their service challenged racial discrimination in the U.S. military and contributed to later integration. Next, they learn about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, including the contrast between Japanese American military service and discrimination at home. Students then learn about the Navajo Code Talkers and how they used their language and a specially developed code to help U.S. forces communicate during the war. Finally, students choose one of the three groups and write a short statement recognizing the group’s service, the challenges it faced, and why its contributions should be remembered.

If you have access to leveled readers that include stories about the Tuskegee Airmen or the Navajo Code Talkers, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 35-45 minutes

Discovery Reading

A printable Discovery Reading is included in the student pack as a support for understanding the experience’s core content and concepts. This Discovery Reading is not necessary to complete the experience and serves as an optional support resource.

Vocabulary Words:

These vocabulary words are used in the experience or connect closely to the standards and content students examine. Students should understand these terms as they work through the experience.

  • segregation: the practice of keeping people of different races separate; in this lesson, the U.S. military had separate units and unequal opportunities for service members.
  • integration: the process of ending separation so people of different races serve together with equal treatment and opportunity in the military.
  • Tuskegee Airmen: a group of African American men and women who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and helped challenge racist beliefs through their successful service.
  • 442nd Regimental Combat Team: a mostly Japanese American U.S. Army unit that fought in Europe during World War II and became highly honored for its bravery and service.
  • internment camps: camps where the U.S. government forced many Japanese Americans to live during World War II after removing them from their homes.
  • Navajo Code Talkers: Navajo Marines who used the Navajo language and a special code to send military messages quickly and secretly during World War II.
  • discrimination: unfair treatment of people because of their race or background, such as the unequal treatment faced by African Americans, Japanese Americans, and Native Americans in this lesson.
 

Objectives

  • Describe the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, the 442nd Regiment Combat Team, and the Navajo Code Talkers
  • Explain why Americans were kept in internment camps


Engage


During World War II, many people showed courage in different ways. Soldiers fought in dangerous conditions, some people risked their lives to hide or help Jewish people and others targeted by the Nazis, and people on the home front supported the war effort in many ways. In this experience, you will learn about three groups whose courage and service made an important difference during the war.

Objectives

  • Describe the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen, the 442nd Regiment Combat Team, and the Navajo Code Talkers
  • Explain why Americans were kept in internment camps


A black and white photograph of a U.S. major general inspects his troops during a decoration (medal) ceremony in Italy

A U.S. major general inspects his troops during a decoration (medal) ceremony in Italy


Think about someone who you consider a hero. What makes them a hero? In a word or short phrase, post one or more characteristics of a hero.

Post your answer

Discuss student responses. Try to reach a class consensus or generate a criteria list about what makes someone a hero.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.


End of Preview
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