The Outbreak

Lesson Title: The Outbreak

Unit #1: Introduction to WWII

Curriculum Area and Level

Social Sciences, Year 8-9

Lesson Duration

60 minutes

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand the key factors leading to the outbreak of WWII.
2. Identify and explain the significance of the Treaty of Versailles.
3. Recognise the rise of Adolf Hitler and his early aggressions.
4. Understand the geopolitical climate of the late 1930s.

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Activity: Class Discussion and Overview

• Teacher's Input:
  • Briefly introduce the unit on WWII.
  • Explain the objective of the lesson.
• Discussion Points:
  • What do students already know about WWII?
  • Why is it important to learn about the origins of WWII?

2. The Treaty of Versailles (15 minutes)

Activity: Interactive Presentation and Short Video

• Teacher's Input:
  • Describe the Treaty of Versailles and its impact on Germany.
  • Highlight key provisions of the treaty.
• Student Activity:
  • Watch a 5-minute video summarising the treaty.
  • Discuss in pairs: How might the Treaty of Versailles have contributed to the start of WWII?
  • Share thoughts with the class.

3. The Rise of Adolf Hitler (20 minutes)

Activity: Timeline Creation and Group Analysis

• Teacher's Input:
  • Introduce Adolf Hitler and the political environment of Germany post-WWI.
  • Discuss major milestones in Hitler's rise to power (e.g., Beer Hall Putsch, Mein Kampf, becoming Chancellor).
• Student Activity:
  • In groups of three, create a timeline of key events in Hitler's rise to power.
  • Each group will present one event from their timeline and discuss its significance.

4. Geopolitical Climate and Early Aggressions (10 minutes)

Activity: Map Analysis and Interpretation

• Teacher's Input:
  • Explain the geopolitical climate of Europe in the late 1930s.
  • Discuss early acts of aggression by Germany (e.g., reoccupation of the Rhineland, annexation of Austria).
• Student Activity:
  • Study a political map of Europe in 1939.
  • Identify key regions affected by early German aggressions.
  • Discuss in class: Why was the world not more alarmed by these early actions?

5. Conclusion (5 minutes)

Activity: Summary and Exit Ticket

• Teacher's Input:
  • Summarise the main points covered in the lesson.
  • Highlight the importance of understanding history to prevent future conflicts.
• Student Activity:
  • Answer an exit ticket question: "What was the most surprising thing you learned today and why?"

Resources Needed

• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• Video summarising the Treaty of Versailles
• Timeline creation materials (paper, markers)
• Political map of Europe (1939)
• Exit ticket slips

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Assessment

• Informal assessment through class discussions and group activities.
• Evaluate timelines for accuracy and completeness.
• Collect and review exit tickets to gauge student understanding.

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Differentiation

• For advanced students: Provide more complex readings on the Treaty of Versailles and Hitler's early strategies.
• For struggling students: Offer summarised notes and one-on-one support during group activities.

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Homework

• Students are to read an extract from a primary source document (e.g., a speech by Hitler) for the next lesson.
• Write a short reflection (150 words) on how they think people in Germany might have felt during this period.