Classroom Resources

Soldiers Veterans & War in American Life

These videos, images, and media-rich lesson plans are from PBS LearningMedia New York , a service of WXXI Public Broadcasting in partnership with the NY State Public Media stations and PBS. This collection of resources will allow educators to bring stories from the battlefront into American history, world history, and health classrooms. They will also help students to better understand veterans and their contributions.

Explore the similarities and differences in veterans’ memories of World War II and Vietnam to uncover how these wars shaped American culture. Analyze artifacts and oral histories that reveal important experiences of a nation during times of conflict. Use recent veterans’ personal stories to engage in a discussion of how the choice to become a soldier and the experience of serving relate to personal values and goals. You will find content in the Experiencing War, World War II, Vietnam War, and Iraq & Afghanistan sub-collections.

Note: Please preview all media for age appropriateness before using it with students. See grade level recommendations on media listings and cautionary notes for guidance.

Experiencing War 

 

Returning From War

 

Commemorating War

 

Analyzing War

        By War:

Newshour ExtraMilitary Families from PBS NewsHour Extra Students Reporting Lab  for Grades 7-12: Students reflect on their experience as children in a military family.

General Resources to Search for Other Clips & Related Current Events:

PBS LearningMedia New York

Newshour Extra