Lesson 4- VIetnam War
Outcomes:
(HT3-3) Identifies change and continuity and describes the causes and effects of change on Australian society
Applies a variety of skills of historical inquiry and communication (HT3-5)
(MA3-13MG) Students select information from real-life situations, and constructs timelines
DRAS3.1 Develops a range of in-depth and sustained roles.
DRAS3.2 Interprets and conveys dramatic meaning by using the elements of drama and a range of movement and voice skills in a variety of drama forms.
Students devise and collaborate on drama works through various combinations of forms
Activity:
- Brainstorm what students know about Vietnam War. Students will then be given an introductory sheet presenting images of people during the Vietnam War. Students engage in the initial step of a historical inquiry process as they prepare questions to ask these people if they were to pay a visit to their classroom (See BLM 6).
- Each student will receive an excerpt (See BLM 7) of factual information regarding the history of Vietnam War and Australia's involvement. After reading their excerpts, students disperse to find another student/pair in the classroom and share with one another the information they have read from the excerpt. They are given approximately 2-3 minutes before finding another peer to share information with.
- After 3 rounds, students return together as a class to combine all of the pieces of information. They engage in a class discussion about their opinions on the topic. A timeline is jointly constructed as students share about their information from the excerpts.
- After explaining to students Australia’s involvement with the Vietnam War, students will engage in gaining a further perspective and understanding of Australia as a country during this period through primary sources. They will also explore other countries involved in the war. Students will hear some recollections of Australian soldiers to gain perspectives on their attitudes and responses towards the war (See BLM 8).
- Through Reader’s Theatre, students will form small groups and read the soldier’s recollections from past interviews
- A discussion forum will be held at the end of the lesson allowing kids to go online and reflect on their learning progress so far.
- Students will access the online forum where they will be able to blog the different things they learn at the conclusion of this lesson.
Differentiation
The level of difficulty in these activities will be considered to cater for individual student’s needs. Excerpts will be differentiated accordingly, as they will be simplified to meet the needs of students with EAL (English as Additional Language) or other special needs. Groupings will also be intentionally selected to promote active participation and peer collaboration.
Assessment Opportunities:
- Students will be assessed through observation. Class discussions and group works will allow the teacher to assess collaboration, participation and student's prior knowledge.
- Student’s interactions with other students will be observed as well as their ability to summarise and retell significant information.
- Student’s ability to collaborate and present their Readers Theatre’s script will be assessed in the way students implement drama skills and gain further perspective on this significant period of Australia's history.
Websites:
- http://www.kidskonnect.com/subjectindex/16-educational/history/283-viet-nam-war.html
- http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-16568035
- http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0769991.html
- http://www.historyrocket.com/World-War/vietnam-war/50-Facts-On-Vietnam-War.html