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Women Riding on Tank in Civilian Defense Parade | Ohio Historical Society | AL00100
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

Lesson Plan: A Soldier’s Story, Primary Source Accounts of Vietnam

Author: Robin Hager, Monty Maceyko, Jeffrey Drake, Nate Dendinger, Amy Masterson

Subject: History
Grade(s): 9, 10

Benchmarks and Indicators

  • History 9-10, Benchmark E: Analyze connections between World War II, the Cold War and contemporary conflicts.
    • Indicator: Grade 9, GLI 13. Examine social, economic and political struggles resulting from colonialism and imperialism including: a. Independence movements in India, Indochina and Africa.
    • Indicator: Grade 10, GLI 8. Explain how the Cold War and related conflicts influenced U.S. foreign policy after 1945 with emphasis on: c. The Korean War and the Vietnam War.

Lesson Summary

Following an introduction on the Vietnam War, students will interview a Vietnam veteran. Students will are required to use a formatted set of questions to gain a better perspective of the Vietnam War era and to critically assess U.S. policy.

Pre-Assessment/Diagnostic

Student discussion following the viewing of the video, “Soldier’s Story,” produced by ABC and the Learning Channel, 1984.

Instructional Procedures

  1. Introduction to Vietnam-computer research and discussion at the UK National Archives Cold War Site.
  2. (Set induction) Students will view the video “A Soldier’s Story” produced by ABC and Learning Channel, 1984. Video guide will be provided to serve as a spring-board to discussion following video.
  3. Students will read selected letters by Vietnam Veterans in a group setting. Provide students with the Written Analysis Document worksheet
  4. Introduce Oral History assignment
  5. Students conduct interviews with Vietnam Veterans.
  6. Students present interview findings with class.Use rubric provided.
  7. Discuss findings in a whole group setting.

Post-Assessment

Student presentations of interview findings to the class. Use this rubric to assess their presentations

Material Resources