Teaching with the News

Oral History and September 11

Objectives

Students will:

• Explore the human dimension of the September 11 attacks by conducting an interview.
• Consider the benefits and limitations of using oral history to learn about the past.
• Assess their own views on September 11.

Resources

Lesson Plan

Student Handouts

Note to Teachers

This lesson is designed to be completed over the course of two class periods—one day to prepare for the interviews, and one day for students to share what they learned from their interviews and debrief as a class. Encourage students to film or record their interview if possible.

Curriculum Resources on Terrorism

Ten years after the attacks of September 11, debates about how the United States should respond to the threat of terrorism remain of central importance. The death of Osama bin Laden, the rise of "homegrown" terrorists, and the use of drones to kill suspected terrorists pose new questions and challenges for policy makers and citizens.

Responding to Terrorism: Challenges for Democracy helps students consider the issues surrounding the 9.11.01 attacks and the U.S. response to terrorism in a constructive context that promotes dialogue about future policy directions.

Photo-Creative Commons Photos by Michael Foran