Below is my Padlet previewing a unit plan for a U.S. History II class in High School. I chose World War One and the development of the United States as a world power because I feel it can often be overshadowed by World War Two. The entire philosophy of U.S. foreign policy was shaken at its core in 1917. The idea of the U.S. being "the world police" was born in this moment, leading us to the present day where intervention is not so much debated as it is expected. But the trade off is just as important. This decision to enter the war solidified the United States as a world power, second to no one. It is a complex and hugely important topic for U.S. citizens to fully understand. I gathered my unit goals and essential questions by looking at the NJCCCS for U.S. History and the goals that must be met while teaching this area of history. I also asked a few friends and family members who are currently teaching how to determine what questions are appropriate when constructing a unit plan. I think Lucidchart could be a fantastic tool for students to visualize the web of alliances and enemies that snowballed into WWI. It can also help to visualize the U.S. social debate over intervening or remaining isolated. Powtoon could be used in groups for the students to each research and summarize a country and their tumble into the war. Each group would display their summary for the class.
