Exploros | The Breakup of the Soviet Union

The Breakup of the Soviet Union

Students watch a video of a song about the fall of the Soviet Union and note two facts they learned from the song. Then they examine the factors that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Next they use historical thinking to determine the most important cause of the breakup of the Soviet Union. Then they analyze an article contrasting Gorbachev and Yeltsin. Finally they read an article about the long-term effects of the breakup, including the stories of some ordinary Russian citizens; students write a letter from that perspective.

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.

Overview

In this experience, students watch a video of a song about the fall of the Soviet Union and note two facts they learned from the song. Then they examine the factors that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Next they use historical thinking to determine the most important cause of the breakup of the Soviet Union. Then they analyze an article contrasting Gorbachev and Yeltsin. Finally they read an article about the long-term effects of the breakup, including the stories of some ordinary Russian citizens; students write a letter from that perspective.

Objectives

Describe events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Analyze political, economic, and social factors that contributed to the fall of Communism in the U.S.S.R.

Engage

Once the Communist regimes of Eastern Europe were ousted, it was only a matter of time before the Soviet Union itself collapsed. In this experience, you will learn about the final years of the Soviet Union.

Objectives

Describe events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Analyze political, economic, and social factors that contributed to the fall of Communism in the U.S.S.R.

an old building, all boarded up, with a large red sign and a photo of Karl Marx on the door

Abandoned Communist-era Factory, Ukraine

Watch a video to hear a song about the Fall of the Soviet Union. Be sure to watch the graphics, as well!

Use the following table to post two facts you learned from the video.

As a class, discuss what facts students learned. Ask them what questions they have about those facts. Establish these questions as guiding questions for the rest of the experience.

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