The Cold War

Name of Participant(s): Kathy Stark, Jennifer McCoy, Neil Bowlen

Overview of purpose: Students will learn how the Cold War changed the United States through an exploration of that era of unrest and fear. They will explore the origins of the Cold War and it impact on both foreign and domestic policies.

length of instructional time for unit: 10-12 weeks

grade/level of audience: secondary social studies

NYS Learning Standards to be addressed:

Social Studies Standards

  • Standard 1:History of the United States and New York
  • Standard 2:World History
  • Standard 5:Civics, Citizenship, and Government

PCSD Standards:

  1. Critical thinker- All students will capable of problem solving, decision making and risk taking enabling them to function in an efficient, productive way in society.
  2. Effective Communicator- All students will develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively.
  3. Healthy citizen – All students will consistently make healthful choices demonstrating respect for their physical, emotional and social well being.
  4. Lifelong Learner- All students will develop the skills of self-evaluation and inquiry to engage in the process of lifelong learning.
  5. Responsible Citizen- All students will positively apply understanding of their own diverse cultures in a changing world.

Understanding:

  1. Students will understand the origins and evolution of Cold War.
  2. Student will understand the concept of unease; its ever changing interpretations.
  3. Students will understand the impact of other peoples/societies input on the tensions of the Cold War.
  4. Students will understand the concept of nationalism

Essential Questions:

  • Why was there no WW III?
  • Was the Cold War an ideology or just a contest for supremacy between two super powers
  • Was the struggle based on politics, economics, or strategic interests?
  • What role did culture play in the Cold War? Does this culture have an impact on us today?
  • What was the impact of the personalities of the Cold War leaders?
  • How did smaller powers manipulate the larger powers?
  • What “weapons” were used to fight the Cold War? (Propaganda, surrogates, economics)
  • How did the Cold War affect the average person?
  • What is the meaning to “Was the Cold War the culmination to an Age of Empire”?

Declaratory Knowledge:

  • State the tensions of the Cold War surfacing in various armed conflicts at different times in the era.
  • Specify the role of the United Nations during this era.
  • Understand the impact of the Cold War on the cultures involved.
  • Reflect on the effects of the potential for nuclear warfare.
  • Recognize the impact of the Cold War on events taking place today.

Procedural Knowledge:

  1. Use maps to display an understanding of the origins and evolution of the Cold War.
  2. Use time management skills.
  3. Organize and display data.
  4. Comprehend readings.
  5. Interpret documents
  6. Organize materials to culminate the final project
  7. Utilize technical resources to display information