Lesson by Toby Smith, Lisa Andersen, and Tim Bailey
Essay by Victor McFarland, University of Missouri
Grade Level: 9–12
Number of Class Periods: 4
Primary Era: Modern Era, 1975–Present
About This Lesson Plan Unit
The four lessons in this unit examine Al-Qaeda’s attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, and the first days of the War on Terror. Students will read and analyze a scholarly essay, an interview and voice recording, political speeches, and a UN resolution in order to understand the events of 9/11 and the international response to the attack.
Lesson Plan Authors: Toby Smith, Lisa Andersen, and Tim Bailey
Historical Background Essay by: Victor McFarland, University of Missouri
Additional Information About This Unit
Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-12.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-12.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-12.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.9-12.6: Compare the point of view of two or more authors for how they treat the same or similar topics, including which details they include and emphasize in their respective accounts.
Essential Questions
Essential Questions
What occurred on September 11, 2001?
How was 9/11 experienced by people living and working in New York City?
What key events preceded and followed 9/11?
How did President George W. Bush and Osama bin Laden explain the significance of the US invasion of Afghanistan?
Documents
Documents
Robert Larocco, Lieutenant, Ladder 9, New York Fire Department. Interview by Monte Feller (New York Fire Department), October 12, 2001.
CeeCee Lyles, Flight Attendant, United Flight 93, transcript of a phone message left for her husband at 9:47 a.m. on 9/11
George W. Bush, Address to the Nation, October 7, 2001
Osama bin Laden, Transcript of videotaped statement, undated, “A Nation Challenged; Bin Laden’s Statement: ‘The Sword Fell,’” New York Times, October 8, 2001
United Nations, Resolution 1368 (2001) adopted by the Security Council at its 4370th meeting, on 12 September 2001