Last updated: March 4, 2020
Lesson Plan
Attu: North American Battleground of World War II
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
Essential Question
Learn about America's role in World War II and how US troops ousted the Japanese from Attu Island to gain control of the rest of the Aleutians.
Objective
To see the full lesson plan, visit: https://www.nps.gov/articles/attu-battleground_teaching-with-historic-places.htm
Preparation
Objectives for students
1) To explain how the Japanese occupation and American recapture of Attu were significant in the history of World War II.
2) To describe the complexity of even a relatively small-scale military campaign.
3) To discuss both the valor of the American soldiers, who fought under weather conditions considered among the worst in the world, and the loyalty of the Japanese troops to their emperor and their cause.
4) To analyze different sources of information relating to a particular historic site.
Materials
Procedure
Materials for students
The materials listed below either 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 low-resolution version with associated questions and alone in a larger, high-quality version.
1) one map of Bering Sea and the Aleutian Islands;
2) one reading about the Battle of Attu;
3) one drawing of the battle;
4) six photos of the battle and its aftermath