Reimagining WWII: Alternative Outcomes
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can rewriting a key WWII event with an alternative outcome help us understand the potential consequences and insights into the turning points and decisions of history?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What were the key events and turning points of World War II?
- How did the outcomes of major battles and decisions shape the course of World War II?
- What are the potential consequences of changing a major historical event?
- How can examining World War II from different perspectives provide new insights into historical events?
- What factors must be considered when rewriting history with an alternative outcome?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand key events and turning points of World War II and their impact on history.
- Students will be able to analyze different perspectives of historical events and their outcomes.
- Students will develop critical thinking skills by considering the potential consequences of alternative historical outcomes.
- Students will enhance their research and writing skills by creating a rewritten historical narrative based on evidence.
Social Studies Standards
Common Core ELA Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsStorm the Newsroom
In this scenario, the classroom is transformed into a 1940s newsroom with the task of rewriting tomorrow’s headlines based on a change in a key WWII event. Teams of students must research, write, and present a news story reflecting the new reality, enhancing media literacy and critical analysis of primary sources and historical interpretation.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Historical Event Investigator
Students will delve into the key events of WWII, develop a comprehensive understanding of these turning points, and evaluate historical significance.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed summary and analysis report of a selected WWII event.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 9-12.H.1 by understanding and analyzing significant events of WWII. Also aligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2 by summarizing key events.Alternative Outcome Creators
Students will engage in creative thinking and critical analysis by proposing alternative outcomes for key WWII events.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA proposed alternative outcome and its speculative analysis on the course of WWII.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 9-12.H.1 by exploring different turning points and decisions of history.Newsroom Script Writers
Students will use their alternative outcomes to draft a news script as if broadcasting from the 1940s.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished news script ready for presentation, reflecting historical analysis and creative writing.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.9-10.9 by drawing evidence from informational texts for scriptwriting.Live Broadcast Presenters
Building on their scripts, students will engage in a presentation embodying the role of 1940s newscasters reporting on their alternative WWII event outcomes.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA live broadcast performance simulating a 1940s news segment on alternative WWII event outcomes.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with 9-12.H.1 through analysis and presentation of WWII outcomes, fostering understanding of historical events through performance.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioWWII Alternative Outcomes Study
Research and Analysis
Assesses the student's ability to thoroughly research and critically analyze key WWII events, demonstrating an understanding of historical context and significance.Depth of Research
Measures the comprehensiveness and relevance of research undertaken on the selected historical event.
Exemplary
4 PointsResearch exhibits depth and breadth, covering key aspects of the event with extensive, relevant primary and secondary sources.
Proficient
3 PointsResearch thoroughly covers the essential aspects of the event using relevant primary and secondary sources.
Developing
2 PointsResearch covers basic aspects of the event, with some relevant sources identified but lacking depth.
Beginning
1 PointsResearch is superficial, with few sources that may not be fully relevant or comprehensive.
Historical Analysis
Evaluates the student's ability to critically assess the significance and impact of historical events within the context of WWII.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional analysis of the event's significance with insights into broader historical implications and connections.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalysis effectively identifies the event's significance and provides a clear understanding of its impact on WWII.
Developing
2 PointsPartial analysis of the event's importance and impact, lacking some clarity and depth.
Beginning
1 PointsMinimal analysis or unclear understanding of the event's significance.
Creative Contribution
Evaluates the student's ability to propose and articulate a plausible and imaginative alternative outcome for the selected WWII event.Creativity of Outcome
Assesses the originality and plausibility of the alternative outcome proposed and its historical analysis.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes highly original and well-argued alternative outcomes that are plausible and thoroughly reinforced by historical context.
Proficient
3 PointsProposes thoughtful and plausible alternative outcomes supported by a clear historical context.
Developing
2 PointsProposes alternative outcomes that are somewhat plausible, with limited historical reinforcement.
Beginning
1 PointsProposes outcomes that are either not plausible or lacking any historical context.
Communication and Presentation
Assesses the effectiveness and clarity of the student's written news scripts and live presentations, focusing on historical authenticity and engagement.Script Writing
Evaluates the coherence, engagement, and historical accuracy of the student's script writing for a news segment.
Exemplary
4 PointsScript is exceptionally well-written, engaging, and historically accurate, with creative integration of historical context.
Proficient
3 PointsScript is well-written, engaging, and demonstrates historical accuracy, though with some minor inaccuracies.
Developing
2 PointsScript shows some engagement and historical context but is either unclear or slightly inaccurate.
Beginning
1 PointsScript lacks coherence and historical accuracy, showing minimal engagement with the material.
Presentation Skills
Measures effectiveness in delivering the presentation, including clarity, engagement, use of props, and historical authenticity.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresentation is highly engaging, clear, and demonstrates excellent use of props and historical authenticity.
Proficient
3 PointsPresentation is clear and engaging, with good use of props and demonstration of historical understanding.
Developing
2 PointsPresentation is somewhat clear but may lack engagement or proper use of props to enhance historical authenticity.
Beginning
1 PointsPresentation is unclear, unengaging, and lacks use of props or historical accuracy.