World War II ProjectResearching and Writing

Key Focus Questions: Who were the key dictators, and how

did their aggression lead to war? What were the Allied responses to

the aggressions of those dictators? How did those responses contribute to war?

What were key strategies of the war for both sides? How did those strategies contribute to the outcome of the war?

How did geographic conditions and locations impact the war and it’s outcome?

Should the U.S. and it’s allies have fought the war? Did the Allies fight the war in a just manner? Why or why not?  

 

Your TaskIndividually, or with a partner, create a WWII

newsletter, using word processing software ◦ Another option is a website. If you have an idea for a

different product, see me and we will discuss options You will research WWII seeking to answer focus

questions on previous slide  After researching and compiling your

information, you will create a “Victory Newsletter,” written as if at the end of the war

Make sure you include important people, places and events of the war

You will be provided with a detailed instruction sheet, rubric, and checklist to guide your work

Remember, you must show mastery of these standards: Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of

economic, geographic, and political interactions that took place throughout the world during the early twentieth century.

Explain the causes, key events, and outcomes of World War II, including:◦ 1) the German, Italian, and Japanese drives for empire; ◦ 2) the role of appeasement and isolationism in Europe

and the United States; ◦ 3) the major turning points of the War ◦ 4) the principal theaters of conflict and the importance

of geographic factors during the War; and ◦ 5) the political leaders during the time.

ResearchUse internet, encyclopedias, and booksInternet sources must be good, reliable

sourcesWikipedia is not a reliable source.

However, you may find good sources by looking at the list of sources on Wikipedia

Google is not a source, it is a search engine—use it to find and cite good sources

All sites used must be properly cited

Internet Search TipsNarrow your search engine search

as much as possible. Read the Seven Steps for Better Searching at http://webquest.sdsu.edu/searching/fournets.htm

Start your researchNarrow UseExact Phrases Trim the URL Seek Similar Pages

Examples of Good Siteshttp://www.history.com/topics/wo

rld-war-ii (History channel)

http://ehistory.osu.edu/wwii/timeline.cfm (OSU history dept. timeline)

http://www.pbs.org/perilousfight/timeline/ (PBS timeline)

http://www.archives.gov/research/military/ww2/photos/ (National Archives)

More Suggested, Helpful SitesHitler -

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/GERhitler.htm

Mussolini - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/2WWmussolini.htm

Japanese aggression - http://www.worldwariihistory.info/WWII/Japan.html

Multiple topics – these sites address most of your needs - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/2WW.htm http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/ http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/wwii/

Suggested Note Taking PracticesWhile researching, open word

processorCopy and paste information you

may find useful, along with the citation information◦Title, URL, Date, Author, information

sourceYou can then use these notes to

create your stories while writing your newsletter

Questions to Help You Find Good Information in Your Search"Is this data worth keeping?" "Will this information help us answer

the essential question?" "Is this information reliable?" "How much of this information do I

need to keep?" "How can I summarize the best

ideas?" "Are there any especially good

quotations to copy and paste?” Credit: Dr. Linda Mensing-Triplett

NewsletterOnce you have completed your

research and sorted through and compiled your notes, begin creating your “Victory Newsletter” or website

Refer to the directions sheet, checklist, and rubric for details to ensure that you are completing all requirements

Make sure that you are addressing key focus questions and the standards

EvaluationYour project will be evaluated

using the project rubric—available in handout and on unit website

Use your checklist and rubric to ensure that you have completed all requirements for your project