Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Americans at War Learning Resources"

Full Steam to Freedom

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:14:43 GMT

Robert Smalls was born a slave in South Carolina, but made a daring escape to freedom on the ship CSS Planter and joined the Union in fighting to end slavery in America. By using this OurStory module, children and adults can enjoy exploring one aspect of the Civil War. Focused on actively reading Seven Miles to Freedom, an illustrated biography of Robert Smalls, this module also includes links to a related outdoor game, classroom-based newspaper investigation and online exploration.

The Price of Freedom: Americans at War Homepage

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:06:40 GMT

Americans have gone to war to win their independence, expand their national boundaries, define their freedoms, and defend their interests around the globe. This online exhibition examines how wars have shaped the nations' history and transformed American society. Students will learn about American military history through the use of an interactive timeline, brief movies, and objects from the museum's vast collections. Also included are a collection search, an interactive game, and learning resources.

Becoming Aware of the Japanese American Internment Camp Experience

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 13:04:43 GMT

This lesson will help students become aware of, and sensitive to, the Japanese American internment camp experience. By creating a list of things that are important and familiar to them and then choosing what they will take and leave behind, students will develop a sense of empathy by simulating situations which Japanese American children faced. This lesson accompanies in the online exhibition A More Perfect Union, which focuses on the experiences of Japanese Americans who were placed in internment camps during World War II.

Japanese American Exclusion Orders During World War II

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:35:42 GMT

This lesson will help students identify with the experiences of camp internees during World War II. Students will be divided into four-member "family" groups that are to be relocated to an internment camp. They will then read two sections of the online exhibition entitled A More Perfect Union and, based on what they have read, make decisions about what they will take with them. After discussing their decisions, students will visit the "Reflections" section of A More Perfect Union and write a response to at least one of the topics.

The President Has Many Roles

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:44:17 GMT

On June 29, 1950, President Truman performed all seven presidential jobs. In this activity, students will learn about the Presidency by looking at an excerpt of the President's schedule from that day and match the events with the correct role of the president. They will then see if they can match the presidential roles with objects from the exhibition The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden.

Life in a WWII Japanese American Internment Camp Homepage

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:54:07 GMT

In this OurStory module entitled Life in a WWII Japanese American Internment Camp, students will learn about the lives of Japanese American children who were forced to leave their homes and move to internment camps during World War II. The module includes links to hands-on activities, pertinent websites, and a list of recommended readings. OurStory is a series of modules designed to help children and adults enjoy exploring history together through the use of objects from the Museum's vast collections, quality children's literature, and engaging hands-on activities. Ideal for afterschool use, OurStory resources allow students to think critically, to be creative, and to achieve academic standards both in and out of the classroom.