Questions this lesson will Answer:
What occurred in the Pacific Theater of War?

Purpose/Rationale/Goals of the day’s lesson:
The class has already discussed the European theater and now it is time for students to look at what is occurring in the Pacific.  To understand World War II, students must understand all operations of the war.  The goal is for students to understand what was occurring in the Pacific during World War II.

Objectives:
SWBAT:

• Describe major battles that occurred in the Pacific.
• Describe the resistance the American soldiers faced.
• Locate the Pacific theater on the map.

Standards of Learning lesson addresses:
11.11
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the origins and effects of World War II, with emphasis on

• The Pacific Theater of War

• Enable learners to construct and use mental maps of the Pacific Theater.

• Guide learner analysis of the relationships and tensions between national sovereignty and global interests in such matters as territorial disputes.

Key Concepts and generalizations: (vocab)

• Pacific Theater: Battles of World War II occurring in the Pacific mainly with Japan.

Methods and Activity
Content/Methods/Procedures

• Look at a map of the Pacific to illustrate the Pacific theater of war.
• Jigsaw: One group will cover the Battle of the Coral Seas.  Another group will cover the Battle of Midway.  The last group will cover the Battle of Guadalcanal and the strategies employed following this battle.
• Each group will be the expert in their respective fields and will have to teach what learned during their group work.
• The students will be responsible for filling out their charts.

• Have students to compare and contrast the fighting methods of the Germans and Japanese.
• You should allow 5-10 minutes for this activity.

Teacher reflection/ self assessment

• I was observed during this lesson.  To view the observation, click HERE