Teaching World War I in the 21st Century 1 | Page 32

• Quick Write: Students use their prior knowledge to identify or predict the weapons and techniques used

Activity 1 Procedure:

during World War I.

• Question: “What weapons and techniques were used in World War I that are different from previous wars?”

• Hand out the Photograph Analysis Worksheet from the National Archives to every student.

Activity 2 Procedure:

• Divide the students into groups of 3-5 students each.

• Distribute the trench warfare photographs to each group of students.

• Provide students with SIGHT form to complete after choosing one trench war photograph that caught his

or her attention. Students should then complete the SIGHT graphic organizer, which will be used during the
class discussion. Encourage students to follow the SIGHT protocol to analyze the photos: Scan, Infer, Guess the
context of the photo, Hear the voices and record what the people could be saying, and Talk, so the students
can understand the techniques and weapons used during World War I. Students should identify surprises and
questions after analyzing the photos.

• Monitor each group by asking clarifying questions and guiding the students to make predictions or write
questions they may have as they make observations.

• As a whole class, groups can share their findings, questions, and observations.

• On chart paper or a white board, the teacher will record the students’ questions after analyzing the photographs.

• Students watch the video clips on “WWI Firsts” and “Trench Warfare” from HISTORY®.

Activity 3 Procedure:

• Students will take two column notes during each video identifying each new weapon and how it changed warfare.
• Using their notes, students should write a paragraph explaining how warfare changed compared to their Quick
Write from activity 1 by using evidence from the photographs and videos.

• Provide each student with a copy of the Letter from Wayne from the National Archives.

Activity 4 Procedure:

• Hand out a copy of the Written Document Analysis Worksheet from the National Archives.
• As students read the letter, they will record information on the Analysis Worksheet.
• In groups, students share their responses to reading the letter.

• Students write a response to the question: Based upon your knowledge, did a soldier’s life change during war
with the advancement of the weapons? Students should cite evidence for their claims.

• 3-2-1: Students write three things they want to remember, two things that are still unclear, and one question

Assessment Materials:

they have after reading the letter, analyzing photos, and watching the videos. Use the questions they still have to
guide students to research the topic of their choice.

• Students can create a brochure including the following components:
• Title page

• Introduction to World War I

• Weapon or strategy used during World War I, along with pictures
• Effect of weapon or strategy on the war
• Conclusion

• Cite sources used for research

28

Lesson Plans & Activities