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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

World War II Home Front

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Eleventh graders examine the political demands put on one of four groups living in America during WWII. Each class member is asked to research and write a paper describing the homefront experience for women, Hispanics, African-Americans,...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

African Americans Seen Through the Eyes of the Newsreel Cameraman

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders become familiar with the role of African Americans during WWII.  In this WWII lesson, 5th graders watch a newsreel and discuss its use as a primary source.  Students answer questions about the newsreel.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Take a Memo - Primary Documents: African American Soldiers on the Homefront

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Pupils examine the discrimination experienced by black servicemen during World War II. They read and analyze an official memo written in 1943, complete worksheet questions, and participate in a class discussion.
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Primary
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: History Now: African Americans in World War Ii

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] An article about the contributions of African Americans to the war effort during World War II, despite discrimination.
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Website
PBS

Pbs: The Perilous Fight: America's World War Ii in Color

For Students 9th - 10th
Online home of the PBS documentary "The Perilous Fight" provides access to an eclectic array of color photographs and films of World War II at home and abroad. Overviews, contextual clues, maps, letters, and similar resources can be...
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Unit Plan
Have Fun With History

Have Fun With History: World War Ii

For Students 9th - 10th
Learning module with activities, numerous videos and links to related resources on the 2nd World War. Topics range from general information, the war in Europe, the war in the Pacific, and other topics from 1939 until 1945.
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Unit Plan
Have Fun With History

Have Fun With History: African Americans

For Students 9th - 10th
Module on African Americans with links to National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Museum, Northwest African American Museum, and SuSable African American History Museum and numerous videos on various topics including, World War II,...
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Portrait Gallery: Ballyhoo! Posters as Portraiture: Beyond Call of Duty

For Students 9th - 10th
This inspirational WWII poster targets the black community by spotlighting African American navy messman Dorie Miller, who performed heroic feats when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Portrait Gallery: Ballyhoo! Posters as Portraiture: Pvt. Joe Louis Says

For Students 9th - 10th
View a poster from the U.S. Office of Facts and Figures of boxer Joe Louis urging African-Americans to do their part for the war. The text explains the impact of the design of the poster and Louis' part in World War II.