BRITANNICA EDUCATOR CENTER

EDUCATOR CENTER

Honoring Veterans

Veterans Day honors those who have served in the armed forces and soldiers who lost their lives in the country’s wars. In the U.S., the national holiday is commemorated annually on November 11 and recognizes veterans’ unending dedication, incredible bravery, and humbling sacrifices. Spotlight Veterans Day in your classrooms with this resource collection, designed to help teach students about the history of the occasion, share veterans’ stories, and pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

The United States Military

Dive deep into the rich history and diverse roles of each military branch, equipping your students with a well-rounded understanding of our nation’s defense forces. Over 41 million brave Americans have donned the uniform, serving across various generations. Presently, our military stands strong with six distinct branches:

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense was established in 1949 to integrate the policies and procedures for all agencies relating to defense.

Army

The U.S. Army is the largest branch of the United States military responsible for land-based operations and ground warfare.

Air Force

The U.S. Air Force is tasked with aerial operations, including the defense of U.S. airspace and global projection of airpower.

Navy

The U.S. Navy is responsible for seaborn operations, maintaining a powerful fleet, and ensuring maritime security.

Marine corps

A branch within the Department of the Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps is renowned for its discipline, adaptability, and its role as the first boots on the ground in conflict zones.

Coast guard

The U.S. Coast Guard serves as a maritime law enforcement agency responsible for coastal and border security, search and rescue, and environmental protection.

National Guard

The National Guard is a reserve component of the U.S. military that can be activated by state governors or the federal government for various missions, including disaster relief and combat support.

space force

The U.S. Space Force, established in December 2019, is the newest branch focused on safeguarding and operating in outer space.

Literary Resource Packs

Elevate your Veterans Day teachings with our expertly assembled resource packs, each designed to resonate with students’ unique learning stages. Britannica School ensures that every lesson becomes an unforgettable journey, packed with insightful articles and immersive multimedia content. Our goal? To deepen students’ understanding and appreciation for the valor of those who have served.

Lessons & Activities

Dive into a rich exploration of our nation’s veterans and their monumental contributions. Our interactive modules, meticulously crafted lessons, and heartwarming stories provide a comprehensive learning experience with our step-by-step teaching guide.

ACTIVITY 1

Similarities and differences

Duration: 45 minutes

1

Visit the curated Britannica School lessons that overview four historical conflicts, and go over the key details with students using the related informational articles, images, and videos.

2

Have students select three of these options to investigate further. Use the Idea Web graphic organizer to compare and contrast these conflicts, identifying the main findings and supporting ideas.

3

Encourage students to think about the importance of allies and peace between people, groups, or nations and how this strengthens connections and builds global communities.

ACTIVITY 1

Similarities and differences

Duration: 45 minutes

1

Visit the curated Britannica School lessons that overview four historical conflicts, and go over the key details with students using the related informational articles, images, and videos.

2

Have students select three of these options to investigate further. Use the Idea Web graphic organizer to compare and contrast these conflicts, identifying the main findings and supporting ideas.

3

Encourage students to think about the importance of allies and peace between people, groups, or nations and how this strengthens connections and builds global communities.

ACTIVITY 2

Media literacy

Duration: 30 minutes

Foster critical thinking, promote inquiry, and enhance observation using the See, Think, Wonder method. Download our free worksheet, and guide students through analyzing the photos in the carousel to the right. Get started with the sample questions below to drive classroom discussion.

See

» What do you see in these images?

» Is there something in particular that catches your eye?

think

» What do you think this image communicates?

» Does anything in this image surprise you?

wonder

» What does this image make you wonder?

» Whose perspective does the image represent?

Global Veterans

The United States isn’t the only country that celebrates Veterans Day. Discover how nations around the world honor the memory of their veterans through unique holidays and traditions.

Notable U.S. Wars

Uncover the impact of the conflicts that have shaped the nation, from its formation during the Revolutionary War to modern involvement in the Persian Gulf. This interactive timeline is a gateway to in-depth articles and captivating media, making it the perfect tool for students to understand veterans’ impact.