Last updated: March 4, 2020
Lesson Plan
Alaska's Site Summit: Cold War Defense and its Legacy in the North (Teaching with Historic Places)
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
Essential Question
Learn about Alaska's Site Summit and Nike Hercules, a nationwide ground-based anti-aircraft missile system that protected the U.S. during the Cold War.
Objective
To see the full lesson plan, visit: https://www.nps.gov/articles/alaska-s-site-summit-cold-war-defense-and-its-legacy-in-the-north.htm
Preparation
Objectives for students
1) To explain Alaska’s role in the Cold War and how the military used its geographically-strategic position;
2) To identify the challenges and the strategic advantages of Site Summit to the U.S. military;
3) To describe the Nike-Hercules missile system and its purpose during the Cold War;
4) To explain the effects of the Cold War on Alaska’s economy and demographics;
5) To evaluate how the Cold War affected the lives of Americans in their own communities.
Materials
Procedure
Materials for students
The materials listed below can be used directly on the computer or can be printed out, photocopied, and distributed to students. The maps and images appear twice: in a smaller, low-resolution version with associated questions and alone in a larger version.
1) two maps including one of Nike sites in Alaska during the Cold War and one of Site Summit;
2) three readings about the Cold War, Alaska during the Cold War, Nike program in Alaska and Site Summit;
3) six photos of life, landscape, and military operations at Site Summit.