Social Studies — Grade 8

The story of a B-17 crew

In The Great Depression and World War II, page 6.7

Speech, given as part of a 1944 war bonds drive, by a flight engineer about his experiences on a B-17 bomber in Europe. Includes historical background and commentary.

Format: speech/primary source

Commentary and sidebar notes by David Walbert.

The science and technology of World War II

In The Great Depression and World War II, page 5.3

For all the role of science, mathematics, and new inventions in earlier wars, no war had as profound an effect on the technologies of our current lives than World War II. And no war was as profoundly affected by science, math, and technology than World War II. This article looks at some of the key technologies developed.

Format: article

By Dr. David Mindell.

The coming of war

In The Great Depression and World War II, page 4.1

Overview of the events leading up to the United States' involvement in World War II. Includes an excerpt from a film produced by the U.S. Government to convince Americans of the need to fight.

Format: article

Stories from the Holocaust

This lesson is designed to supplement a study of World War II. Students will read first hand accounts of individuals who escaped Nazi persecution and eventually settled in Asheville, North Carolina. This lesson may be used as an 8th grade Social Studies or English project(It could also be used as an integrated project), 10th grade English, or 11th grade US History. This lesson uses the NCEcho portal to access the material.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–10 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Billie Clemens.

Resources on the web

Creating character: Justice and fairness

In this lesson, students examine the differences between justice and fairness and are encouraged to confront discrimination in the classroom and reflect upon their own prejudices. Students contrast the accounts of Alex Stern, a witness in a war crimes trial;... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Courage

In this lesson, students examine how people develop and define “courage”. Students watch visual history testimony clips given by three people involved in the Holocaust in different roles. The activities in this lesson include small-group work,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Responsibility

In this lesson, students identify people, organizations, and ideals for which they feel responsible. By viewing visual history testimonies from Bent Lerno, Marianne Cooper, and Hedy Epstein, who are Jewish survivors of the Holocaust, they explore examples... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Respect

In this lesson, students work in pairs to examine the ways that they demonstrate respect – and disrespect – to the people and institutions around them. During this activity, students watch testimonies from Felix Sparks, a liberator who believes in racial... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Perseverance

In this lesson, students explore the concept of perseverance and discuss their own personal experiences with hard work, inspiration, and accomplishment. Students view testimonies of people affected by discriminatory laws against Jews and Jehovah’s Witnesses.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Concluding lesson

In this final lesson, students synthesize the concepts they explored in previous lessons. Students assemble a “Treasure Box” of items such as collages, writings, and more, all organized around Courage, Responsibility, Respect, Citizenship, Justice... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Citizenship

In this lesson, while participating in whole class discussion and collaborative group work, students explore the concept of citizenship. During the activities, students watch visual history testimonies of Dina Gottliebova-Babbit, Robert Mendler, and Henry... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute