World War I Lesson 5 of 5

14-18 yrs old

Geography

Government and Politics

History

Topics covered include the causes of war, communication, strategy, and remembrance. Students will reflect on the lessons learned from war.

Submitted By: Phygital Labs

October 22, 2020

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Skills

Communication
Creativity
Critical Thinking

External References

World War I Toybox world

Minecraft: Education Edition world file

Lesson Overview Video

Video

Morse code decoding page

Resource

WWI Interactive Image

Resource

Supporting Files

World War I Toybox Assessment

Resource

WWI Flight impact Notes PDF

Resource

WWI Flight impact Notes DOC

Resource

Learning Objectives

Students will discover the causes, involved nations, and resolution to World War I.
Students will experience Morse code as the primary communication method of the era.
Students will understand how the introduction of airplanes changed war strategy and casualties.
Students will experience the difficulties and danger of trench warfare.
Student will reflect on the lessons learned from war through visual art and narration.

Guiding Ideas

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies Themes

2. Time, continuity, and change
3. People, places, and environments
7. Production, distribution, and consumption
10. Civil ideas and practices

C3 Framework Dimensions

Developing questions and planning inquiries
Applying disciplinary tools and concepts
Evaluating sources and using evidence
Communicating conclusions and taking informed action

Introduction/Overview

The World War I world in Minecraft allows students to see, interact with, and explore some of the elements of the conflict while using out-of-game research, reading, writing, reflection, discussion, and art to enrich the whole learning experience. This lesson set ensures that students in high school courses have a basic understanding of the primary elements of World War I in a memorable and engaging methodology. Topics covered include the causes of war, communication, strategy, and remembrance. World War I toybox is structured and broken into five lessons over 4 weeks x 60 minutes per day.

Guiding Questions

What started World War I, which countries were involved, and how was it resolved?
Was Morse code an effective means of communication during the era?
How did flight change how military operations fought?
What were some of the difficulties and dangers of trench warfare?
How can we honor the memory of those who fight in war?

Lesson 5 of 5

Student will reflect on the lessons learned from war through visual art and narration.

Preparation and materials

Make a class Padlet or other virtual tool to capture a student brainstorm (lesson 1)
Make a class FlipGrid topic or other virtual tool to capture student responses (lesson 1)
Decide whether or not you wish to print copies of the Morse code decoding page (lesson 2)
Make a second class FlipGrid topic or other virtual tool to capture student responses (lesson 4)
Prepare art supplies or ask students to bring some to class (lesson 5)
Make a third class FlipGrid topic or other virtual tool to capture student responses (lesson 5)

Student Activities

Lesson 5 of 5

Students enter the Minecraft: Education Edition world and fly to the poppy field. Ask students if anyone knows the significance of the field or the symbolism of the poppy flower. Ensure that the students see the purpose of the poppy as a way to remember and honor those who have died serving their countries in war, and that it is not only an American symbol but one used around the world.

Ask students to observe a moment of silence for the men and women who have died serving their countries in war. Ensure that this is handled with the utmost respect. If you do not feel your classroom culture is respectful enough to treat this activity properly, consider skipping the moment of silence.

Students should add a Board to the poppy field in their own Minecraft world describing the significance and symbolism of the poppy field.

Direct students to design a work of art that:

Includes a red poppy
Demonstrates symbolism to the meaning of the poppy

Give students time to sketch, plan, model, and create their work of art. This could be a sculpture, drawing, painting, or other physical creation.

When complete, students display their art and explain its creation and elements in a FlipGrid topic or other virtual response tool.

If time and classroom culture allows, encourage students to view each other's art in a physical or digital gallery walk and respond to each other in the FlipGrid topic with positive remarks or questions.

Differentiation

If art supplies are not available, students can use digital ink (although the physical act of creating is important and should not be avoided).
Students could write a poem, compose a song, or demonstrate their reflection through another art form such as performing arts.

Interdisciplinary connections

Visual or performing arts

Extensions

Students could Skype with a veteran of war to interview the solider about his or her experiences and provide an opportunity to thank the veteran for his or her service.

Performance Expectations

Assessment

Work of art and reflection

4 - Student art work is original and impactful for the viewer based on its relevance and symbolism. Student reflection gives additional insight to the viewer.

3 - Student art work is original and reflects the red poppy and its symbolism. Student reflection explains the art for the viewer.

2 - Student art work is a remix of other art and reflects the red poppy and its symbolism. Student reflection shows art to the view.

1 - Student art work is incomplete or unoriginal. Student reflection does not show the art to the viewer.