|
This
video outlines the story of just one of the many bomber crews
of the Eighth Air Force during World War II. The crew came together
from many backgrounds to do a job - a very dangerous one. Their
story illustrates the character of the war on a personal basis,
and also includes insight into the effect of one family's loss.
Students will also see an example of the tremendous costs that
such missions brought, not only to those involved directly, but
also to those supporting them both on the fighting front and at
home.
This
unit provides a viewing guide with vocabulary
and pre- and post-viewing
discussion questions. There is also an enrichment
activity which allow students to extend their knowledge or
practice specific skills.
Learning
Objectives
- Identify
events in the beginning, middle, and end (or outcome) of an
historical narrative.
- Identify
the source of historical information and assess its reliability.
- Identify
the financial, material, and human costs of the war.
- Analyze
the effect of World War II on both individuals and their families.
National
History Standards Correlations
- Standard
1: The student thinks chronologically. (Objective 1)
- Standard
2: The student comprehends historical narratives. (Objectives
1 and 2)
- Standard
3B (Era 8): The student understands World War II and how the
Allies prevailed. (Objective 3)
- Standard
3C (Era 8):The student understands the effects of World War
II at home. (Objective 4)
Vocabulary
(return to top)
| heavy
water |
mission |
Mickey
operator |
| lead |
turret |
orientation |
| theater |
communal
areas |
heroism |
| bail
out |
ironically |
epitaph |
Discussion
Before Viewing (return
to top)
- What
do you think this video is about based on the title and the
video labels?
- What
movies or TV shows have you seen that deal with the same historical
topic?
- What
do you expect the similarities and/or differences between this
documentary and the programs you mentioned?
[After
student discussion, teacher should give a brief introduction of
the objectives and topic to be studied.]
Discussion
After Viewing (return
to top)
- What
gap in historical knowledge drove the production of this video?
- What
was the source of the information in the story? How do you know?
Is this a reliable source? Why or why not?
- What
are the typical steps in preparation for a bombing mission that
were illustrated in the video? What was the expected outcome
of the mission? How was the actual outcome different than expected?
- Identify
the financial, material, and human costs of this one mission.
[Brainstorm and build a table on chalkboard or computer display.]
- How
were lives changed as a result of this one mission?
Activity
for Enrichment and Extension (return
to top)
| Oral
History Project |
| This
project allows students the chance to gather and publish first-person
historical information of their own. They will use oral history
interview techniques to plan and conduct interviews, analyze
and organize information, and present the information in written
or electronic form. Click here
for an online project outline. |
|
