Background

Often students in any grade level have a difficult time grasping the concept or enormity of a “world” war. When they read or watch films or videos of World War II, they hear of such places as Pearl Harbor, Japan, Germany, France and Great Britain. These might be easy to recognize. But then, they hear of Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Anzio, Tunisia, Guam, Okinawa, Battle of the Bulge, Omaha Beach, Bataan Death March, and Hiroshima. These might present a challenge.

Activity

Part I Prior to watching the web cast of World War II, students may create or complete a map with some of these important battle sites listed above. Teachers may have other battle sites to identify. While students listen to some of the veteran interviews, they will know where their battle or event took place.
Part II During the web cast, students may create or complete a map citing some of the battle locations or events stated by the veterans in their interviews. The students can investigate the landforms and climate of the areas and develop hypotheses about their impact on the event or battle.

Internet Resources

User submitted YouTube video using Google Earth to locate historical WW2 places:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWrbDFRNMEA

(lesson contributed by Teresa Begley)