World War II Project Researching 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 Task Individually, 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.

Use internet, encyclopedias, and books Internet sources must be good, reliable sources Wikipedia 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 Tips Narrow your search engine search as much as possible. Read the Seven Steps for Better Searching at Start your research Narrow Use Exact Phrases Trim the URL Seek Similar Pages

Examples of Good Sites ii (History channel) ii (OSU history dept. timeline) (PBS timeline) ww2/photos/ (National Archives) ww2/photos/

More Suggested, Helpful Sites Hitler Mussolini Japanese aggression Multiple topics – these sites address most of your needs

Suggested Note Taking Practices While researching, open word processor Copy and paste information you may find useful, along with the citation information ◦ Title, URL, Date, Author, information source You 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

Newsletter Once 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

Evaluation Your 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