Creator: The Truman Library | visit site
Grade Range: 8 - 11
The Presidential Library of Harry S. Truman offers an extensive archive of resources to help us understand the idealogical foundations of the Cold War era. The Cold War shaped much of the history of the second half of the twentieth century, particularly in the Western world. Included are a chronology of the era, photographs, oral histories (text based), profiles of important figures, primary documents, and lesson plans. The lesson plans were developed by a group of teachers who attended a summer institute at the Truman Library and can be downloaded as either Word documents or PowerPoint presentations. The documents can be viewed online or downloaded in a printable format.
In the Classroom
While much of what you find here will be useful for your own lesson planning, the photograph archive will be useful for images related to the Cold War era. Some of the documents could be printed and used for small group discussions or analysis. Consider referring students who are doing research for a National History Day project to this resource. Challenge students to research the information shared at this site and create blogs as Cold War personalities. If you are beginning the process of integrating technology, have students create blogs sharing their learning and understanding using Tumblr, <a href="/single.cfm?id=12747">reviewed here</a>.
At Home
Is your teen a history buff? Or maybe he/she needs an interesting research project or History Day topic? Share this site for a glimpse into the Cold War and Harry S. Truman’s times.
Tags
primary sources, europe, russia, cold war,
Subjects
American History, History & Culture: Europe, History & Culture: Russia, History & Culture: The Americas, History & Culture: World, Social Studies, Social Studies,