This unit provides the students with an understanding of the causes and effects of the Holocaust. Not only are they given an historical background, but thye are also taught about such things as anti-semitism, prejudice, etc. The main goal of this unit attempts to educate the main idea that such occurrences must never happen again! Poetry and literature are also use to enhance this curriculum. Using a variety of sources, the students are engages in various activities throughout the study. Students are involved in these daily activities in the Social Studies, Reading, and English classes.
The goal of this unit is designed to educate students on the Holocaust. Students will be engaged in daily activities and lessons. Each student will work within a group to prepare a final project. This project is a major portion of their grade, and it encourages interaction. Using various resources (internet, books, handouts, etc.) students are able to accomplish their final project.
Missouri Standards
A. Performance (Process) Standards
Goal 1: Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to gather, analyze and apply information and ideas.
Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to
- 1.1 develop questions and ideas to initiate and refine research
- 1.2 conduct research to answer questions and evaluate information and ideas
- 1.4 use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information
- 1.5 comprehend and evaluate written, visual and oral presentations and works
- 1.8 organize data, information and ideas into useful forms (including charts, graphs, outlines) for analysis or presentation
GOAL 2: Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively within and beyond the classroom.
Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to
- 2.1 plan and make written, oral and visual presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences
- 2.2 review and revise communications to improve accuracy and clarity
- 2.3 exchange information, questions and ideas while recognizing the perspectives of others
GOAL 3: Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to recognize and solve problems.
Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to
- 3.3 develop and apply strategies based on one’s own experience in preventing or solving problems
GOAL 4: Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to make decisions and act as responsible members of society.
Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to
- 4.5 develop, monitor and revise plans of action to meet deadlines and accomplish goals
- 4.6 identify tasks that require a coordinated effort and work with others to complete those tasks
B. Knowledge (Content) Standards
Social Studies-
In Social Studies, students in Missouri public schools will acquire a solid foundation which includes knowledge of:
- SS2 continuity and change in the history of Missouri, the United States and the world
- SS5 the major elements of geographical study and analysis (such as location, place, movement, regions) and their relationships to changes in society and environment
- SS6 relationships of the individual and groups to institutions and cultural traditions
- SS7 the use of tools of social science inquiry (such as surveys, statistics, maps, documents)
Kansas Standards
Benchmark 4: The student engages in historical thinking skills
1. (A) examines a topic in United States history to analyze changes over time and makes logical inferences concerning cause and effect.
2. (A) examines a variety of different types of primary sources in United States history and analyzes them in terms of credibility, purpose, and point of view (e.g., census records, diaries, photographs, letters, government documents).
1. Teacher collaboration and planning is implemented between the three subjects.
*We each contribute to the learning process and make sure that duplications are not made.
2. Due to the content of some material, students are required to turn in a permission slip. This is explained and collected. Materials
(such as the Holocaust Unit Notebook) for the unit are also explained and assembled.
3. The trunk materials (provided by the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education) are reserved and then explained to the students.
4. Students are given a general outline of the unit. Unit expectations, grading, and assignments (including the final project) are discussed.
5. Post questions and videos are used to prepare students for what they are going to learn. Discussion is encouraged throughout this stage of the unit.
6. Our guest speaker, a Holocaust survivor, is scheduled to attend to enhance student learning.
Scope of Student Work
Please see attached lesson plans.
Resources and Technology Used
1. The Midwest Center for Holocaust Education provides classrooms with a trunk that includes a multitude of resources. Such as videos, books, workbooks,
documentary photo aids, etc.
2. "Eye on History" workbooks provide assignments on WW2 and the Holocaust. Such assignments include maps, reading, and questions.
3. The internet is used extensively, especially to complete the final project. Word processing programs are also used.