War memorials: lesson 4
Which war was more significant for the people of Cottenham?
Students should learn to:
- Interrogate a data file and extract information in order to ask and answer questions about the experiences of local people during WWII
- Test hypotheses using a database and reach conclusions
- Compare the similarities and differences to WWI in order to analyse which is 'GREAT'.
- Question the utility of the data file for the research
Starter
Begin by using clues to search database to find a WWII character (E.g. Captain Brackenbury fascinating story) or a place where people fought, etc. Quick fire quizzes + feedback.
Main activity
Step up challenge by asking them to find out the average age of death during WWII (use REPORT). How does this compare to WWI? Use this to consider hypotheses for WWII. Is it great?
Using the Hypothesis worksheet from Lesson 2, students interrogate the database to test a series of hypotheses about WWII linked to the GREAT criteria. Encourage students to also set and test their own hypotheses for extra challenge.
Students now compare their findings to WWI. Write a paragraph on each of the GREAT criteria, deciding which war was more significant to Cottenham in the various aspects. Give specific examples to support these conclusions.
Finally they need to carry out an evaluation of the resources they have used (memorial/database). Consider what they were able to find out and what they were NOT able to find out from each (E.g. those who didn't die! How people reacted, etc.).
Then return to question of purpose and audience of the memorial.
Concluding activity
Students could work towards a PowerPoint presentation on the experiences of Cottenham at war. This could also be widened to include the civilian experience with extra time and resources, perhaps even using local veterans.
This would involve extra time to complete than is allowed for in this sequence of learning.
Click here to go to Lesson 5
Downloads
War memorials Lesson 4 (
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