Curated OER
WWII German Submarine Warfare: U505
Students research how the capture of a German submarine by the Allies affected the outcome of WWII. In this WWII lesson, students complete a KWL chart. Students research primary source documents online and answer discussion questions.
Curated OER
Weapons of World War I
Ninth graders discover the weapons of World War I. They compare and contrast the weapons used during that time period with the weapons that are used in warfare today. They create a digital slide show with the history, uses, and...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The Moral Dangers of Non Lethal Weapons
Pepper spray and tasers are in increasing use by both police and military, and more exotic non-lethal weapons such as heat rays are in the works. In this talk, ethicist Stephen Coleman explores the unexpected consequences of their...
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: Getting the Message Through: Civil War Organization and Training
An exhaustive look at the Signal Corps, the legislation behind its formation, and its many uses during the Civil War. Find the equipment used, the code for the signal flags, and pictures of the troops. This is a very detailed and...
ProCon.org
Pro Con: Should the United States Continue Its Use of Drone Strikes Abroad?
Comprehensive multi-media resources on the pros and cons of continued use of U.S. drone strikes abroad. Includes background information, comments and video gallery.
Other
U.s. Centennial of Flight Commission: Balloons in the American Civil War
What role did hot air balloons play in the Civil War? This comprehensive article answers that question and gives specific examples of their use by both the Union and Confederate troops.
Other
National Museum of Industrial History
Explore these exhibitions, previously located in the Smithsonian Institute, which feature the great Americans who contributed to the industrialization of the United States beginning with the nation's centennial celebration. Plan a trip...
Library of Congress
Loc: Civil War Maps: History of Mapping the Civil War
Investigate the importance of mapping to both the Union and the Confederates in planning their military strategy. From the Library of Congress.
Other
History News Network: How the Telegraph Helped Lincoln Win the Civil War
Abraham Lincoln participated in battle strategy in real time thanks to the telegraph. Read the fascinating story of how Abraham Lincoln was intimately involved in the course of the Civil War due to the increased use of the telegraph.
Smithsonian Institution
Civil War at Smithsonian: Weapons
Examples of many of the weapons used in the Civil War are included in this exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution. Find rifles, swords, pistols, and hand grenades along with descriptions of who used them and how they were manufactured....
Other
On Deck: Submarines in the Civil War
The Hunley wasn't the only submarine used in the Civil War. Read this comprehensive look at the research into underwater warfare and the results of that research.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: Military Telegraph Service
Ciphers, codes, and wiretaps were all part of the telegraph service in both the Union and Confederacy. Read about the importance of the telegraph in relaying information and obtaining plans surreptitiously. From "Photographic History of...
PBS
Pbs Nova: Lincoln's Secret Weapon
A website that tells the story of the Monitor, the first iron-clad ship, and its archeological salvage.
Other
Aeragon: The Us Civil War, the First Modern War
Wars seem to bring about an increase in experimentation and technology. The Civil War was no exception. Find out about the strides made in photography, underwater warfare, weaponry, communications, and aerial warfare. Interesting reading.
Other
Silk Road Foundation: Gun and Gunpower
This site provides a description of how and when gunpowder was discovered and used for military purposes. Also includes information on the invention of machinery, like cannons or guns, to make use of gunpowder.
Other
Florida Reenactors Online News Magazine: The Mountain Howitzer
A description of the the mountain howitzer and its use by both the Union and Confederate armies. Good pictures and interesting factoids too.
University of California
Department of Geography: u.s. Army Balloon Corps
Pictures of hot air balloons in the Civil War and a brief explantation of their use.
The History Cat
The History Cat: Lincoln's High Tech War
Describes the weaponry used during the Civil War, and some of the innovative technology that the Union's military forces employed. These included the minie ball, rifles, underwater torpedoes, the use of hot air balloons, and improved...
Virginia Historical Society
Virginia Historical Society: Waging War: The Battlefront: The First Modern War?
Discusses some of the new military and other technologies that were used during the Civil War in Virginia.
First World War
First World War: Weapons of War
Part of a larger site on WWI, Weapons of War gives a detailed review of weapon technology. Thorough information is provided on bayonets, flamethrowers, grenades, machine guns, pistols, poison gas, rifles, tanks, and trench mortars.
Other
National World War Ii Museum: Science and Technology of World War Ii
Information is presented in the manner of media during World War II which makes for a very engaging site. There are a number of routes to take: the Darkroom highlights WWII-related artifacts. The Timeline takes students on a journey of...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Weapons of World War I
The middle schoolers will use the Internet and the school's media center to discover the weapons of World War I. They will compare and contrast the weapons used during that time period with the weapons that are used in warfare today. At...
First World War
First World war.com: Encyclopedia Observation Balloons
Describes how observation balloons were used during World War I, the dangers of piloting one, and difficulties the enemy faced in trying to bring one down.
Kidport
Kidport: Weapons of the Civil War
View images of individual guns and swords as well as artillery pieces used by Civil War soldiers.