Core Skills Analysis
History
- Learned about significant World War II events, including the attack on Pearl Harbor and the events surrounding the USS Arizona and USS Missouri.
- Gained understanding of the strategic importance of Pearl Harbor in U.S. military history and how it shaped the course of the war.
- Observed firsthand historical artifacts and memorials that honor those who served, fostering a personal connection to historical events.
- Recognized the difference between various naval vessels and their roles during World War II, especially the symbolic significance of the USS Arizona and USS Missouri.
Geography
- Identified Hawaii’s geographical location and its role as a key Pacific military base during World War II.
- Understood the island's landscape and how geography played a role in naval defense and military strategy.
- Learned about travel and navigation concepts related to reaching an island state in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
- Connected historical events to real-world locations, enhancing spatial awareness and geographical context.
Civics
- Explored themes of patriotism and remembrance by visiting monuments and memorials such as those at Pearl Harbor.
- Reflected on the sacrifices made by service members during wartime and the importance of honoring national history.
- Understood how public memory shapes community values and the role of memorials in preserving history for future generations.
- Recognized the significance of historic preservation as a civic responsibility.
Tips
To deepen understanding of this trip, encourage Atlanta to create a scrapbook or digital presentation chronicling her visit with photos, drawings, and reflections on what was learned at each site. Engage her in research projects about the key battles associated with the USS Arizona and USS Missouri to develop a broader picture of World War II in the Pacific. Encourage comparison of historical accounts from different perspectives, including those of American sailors and Japanese forces, to build critical thinking and empathy. Finally, invite her to write a letter or short essay honoring a service member, connecting personal learning to civic responsibility and emotional reflection.
Book Recommendations
- Pearl Harbor: The Day of Infamy by Walt Disney Company: A child-friendly account of the attack on Pearl Harbor that details the events and their impact on America.
- I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011 by Lauren Tarshis: While focusing on a different event, this book offers insights into natural disasters and how people cope, connecting with themes of resilience witnessed in memorial sites.
- World War II for Kids: A History with 21 Activities by Richard Panchyk: An engaging history resource providing context about World War II alongside fun, educational activities suited for middle school readers.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.3: Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats to develop a coherent understanding of a topic.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 6 topics.
Try This Next
- Timeline worksheet to sequence the major events associated with Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and USS Missouri.
- Write a diary entry from the perspective of a sailor on the USS Missouri during the signing of the Japanese surrender.
Growth Beyond Academics
Visiting such historically significant and somber sites likely nurtured a sense of respect, patriotism, and empathy in Atlanta. The experience may also have inspired curiosity about history and encouraged thoughtful reflection on sacrifice and remembrance, contributing to emotional maturity and social awareness.