Daniel Trusky - Vietnam Lessons

Vietnam WarUnit Plan

Daniel A. TruskySecondary Education Social Studies

Vietnam War Unit PlanTable of Contents

Introduction, Overview, & Standards

Lesson One

Lesson Two

Lesson Three

Lesson Four

Lesson Five

Lesson Six

Lesson Seven

Lesson Eight

Lesson Nine

Lesson Ten

Additional Teacher Resources

Reflection

Bibliography

Introduction

This unit plan contains scholarly information, lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations,

student assignments, and assessments pertaining to the Vietnam War. Students will be able to

understand the timetable of events that took place during the Vietnam War. The students will

also be able to determine, analyze, and elaborate on the conflict, major players, and the causes

that led to the war. The importance of military strategy, technology, science, and environmental

impact is also strongly stressed throughout this unit on the Vietnam War.

Overview

This unit plan is designed for students in a 12th grade American History course. The

students will learn about the Vietnam War, the major figures that played a significant role in the

conflict, the science and significance of Agent Orange and other chemical weapons used during

the war, the significance of air power during the conflict, and the military strategy and

methodology behind the conflict. There is a strong emphasis placed on geography, vocabulary,

critical thinking, and the global impact of the Vietnam War.

Standards

National

NCSS

Geography

G.K-12.1: The World In Spatial Terms

Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and

technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial

perspective.

Understand how to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and

environments on Earth's surface.

US History

USH.5-12.9 Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-Early 1970's)

Understand how the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced

domestic and international politics

World History

WH.5-12.9 Era 9: The 20th Century Since 1945: Promises and Paradoxes

Understand how post-World War II reconstruction occurred, new international

power relations took shape, and colonial empires broke up.

Pennsylvania

8.1.12.A: Evaluate patterns of continuity and rates of change over time, applying context

of events.

8.1.12.B: Evaluate the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use

of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.

8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social,

political, cultural, and economic development of the world.

8.3.12.B: Evaluate the impact of historical documents, artifacts, and places in U.S.

history which are critical to world history.

8.3.12.D: Evaluate how conflict and cooperation among groups and organizations in the

U.S. have influenced the growth and development of the world.

Ethnicity and race

Working conditions

Immigration

Military conflict

Economic stability

Lesson One: Introduction To The Vietnam War

Objectives

The students will be able to understand the important events that lead up to the start of the

Vietnam War. The students will understand France’s role in Vietnam and learn about the

Indochina War that took place. The students will understand that the United States pledge $15

million to aid the French. The students will examine the video explaining about the “Domino

Theory” with regards to Vietnam. The students will be working with a primary document on the

Geneva Agreements.

Standards

National

NCSS

US History




Pennsylvania





Ethnicity and race

Working conditions

Immigration

Military conflict

Economic stability

Materials Needed

Digital Projector (Smartboard if classroom has access)

PowerPoint Vietnam Day 1

Video: Domino Theory – Explanation

Geneva Agreement Primary Document

Geneva Agreement Student Handout

Procedure

The PowerPoint (Vietnam Day 1) will be utilized to start off the new unit. The students will be

introduced to the important events that led up to the Vietnam War. The students will also

develop an understanding of the major players in the conflict. The students will be asked

questions throughout the PowerPoint to check their knowledge and to get their point of view. If

the students need clarification or have any questions about the information, they will be

addressed as the lesson progresses. The students will be shown a video explaining about

“Domino Theory” with regards to Vietnam. This video will provide students with a richer

understanding of the threat communism posed to the United States and it’s allies at this time

during the Cold War. After the video is concluded and the students are finished taking notes,

they will be asked a number of questions to check for comprehension. The presentation will

continue until they are ready to start the activity. The students will then break up into partners to

complete the activity using the primary document. Students will read through the document and

complete the assignment as directed. After all groups have completed the assignment, the class

will discuss their findings.

Assessments

Geneva Agreement Primary Document

Geneva Agreement Student Handout

The purpose of this activity is to get the students actively engaged and utilizing primary

documents. Students will gain a better understanding of how historians use primary documents

to learn about the past. The assignment is intended to be completed before the end of the period.

Lesson Two: Vietnam War 1955-1959

Objectives

The students will learn about Ngo Dinh Diem and the Geneva Accords. The lesson will also

explain about the relationship between the United States and France during this period in time.

Students will gain insight on the distinction between the north and the south in Vietnam. The

aspect of geography will be stressed in this lesson.

Standards

NCSS

Geography




perspective.



US History




World History




Pennsylvania





Materials Needed



Map Activity

Procedure

The students will be presented the PowerPoint: Vietnam (Day 2) during today’s lesson.

Throughout the PowerPoint the student will be taking notes on the military strategy and

important figures in the conflict. Students will be given the opportunity to ask questions

throughout the lecture and share their own point of view on the subject matter. The next part of

the period the class will be working on completing a map activity. This is a great map activity

that stressed the critical role that geography played during the Vietnam War. This also is a great

way for the students to become familiar with the different regions surrounding Vietnam.

Students will complete the activity before the end of class. This activity will be classified as one

of their assessments and graded based upon completeness.

Assessments

The assessment for this lesson will be the map activity.

Lesson Three: Vietnam War 1959-1962 (Agent Orange)

Objectives

The students will learn about the threat of the Vietcong and the type of warfare they wage.

Students will develop a stronger understanding of the conflict between the North and the South

in this conflict. Students will also learn more about the relationship between the United States

and Diem. Students will understand the actions that President Kennedy took by authorizing the

Green Berets to intervene. The main focus of this lesson is one of the strategies utilized by the

United States with chemical warfare. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge about the

chemical weapon Agent Orange and it’s devastating effects not just on the enemy, but our own

soldiers. This has historical significance as well as teaching students how it relates to science,

technology, and environmental implications.

Standards

National

NCSS

Geography




perspective.



US History




Pennsylvania







Materials Needed



Agent Orange Handout

Agent Orange Document

Procedure

The students will first be asked about what they have learned so far from the unit as a Bellringer.

After the Bellringer is completed and the students have displayed their understanding of the

subject matter, we will move on to the PowerPoint presentation. The students will be presented

with information on the PowerPoint and information that they have read in the textbook. The

main focus of this lesson is one of the strategies utilized by the United States with chemical

warfare. Halfway into the period the class will be introduced to the document on Agent Orange.

At this time, the students will break into pairs and begin working on completing the

corresponding worksheet. They will be assessed on how well the are able to convey their ideas.

The worksheet must be completed and information must be accurate. The students will be

interpreting the document and extracting the important information from it.

Assessments

Agent Orange Worksheet

Lesson Four: Vietnam War 1962-1964

Objectives

This lesson the students will be learning about the coup attempt to overthrow Diem. This lesson

will also examine the extreme protests by the Buddhist monks in protest of Diem’s government.

The students will understand the causes for Diem being overthrown from power and murdered.

This lesson will also explain to the students about the Kennedy assassination in Dallas. The

assassination of Kennedy is significant because Johnson then becomes President. The main

focus of this lesson will be on the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Students will be able to see a video

clip containing excerpts from different news broadcasts about the Gulf of Tonkin controversy.

The students will also examine a primary source document relating to the Gulf of Tonkin

Resolution.

Standards

National

NCSS

US History




Pennsylvania







Materials Needed



Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Document

Procedure

The students will first complete a Bellringer to check for comprehension of the material so far

covered in the unit. The students will then be presented with a PowerPoint presentation on the

significant events occurring in the Vietnam conflict from 1962-1964. The students will be given

the opportunity to ask questions. The students will be shown the video clip on the Gulf of

Tonkin. After the video is presented to the students, they will be asked to reflect on what they

have seen and present their ideas to the class. Following that activity, the students will be given

a primary source document to examine and write a summary of what they have read.

Assessments

Students must turn in their summary of what they have learned from reading the primary source

document relating to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.

Lesson Five: Vietnam War 1965-1967

Objectives

The students will be learning about the military strategies used during this period in the Vietnam

War. The importance of air power will also be stressed in this lesson. Students will develop a

better understanding of the different operations that took place during the Vietnam War.

Students will be taking a quiz towards the end of the period.

Standards

National

NCSS

Geography




perspective.



US History




World History




Pennsylvania


of events.







Ethnicity and race

Working conditions

Immigration

Military conflict

Economic stability

Materials Needed



Vietnam War Quiz

Procedure

The students will first complete a Bellringer based upon where they left off from the previous

day. This lesson will start off with explaining to the students about Operation Rolling Thunder.

Students will learn about the importance of air power during many different operations in the

Vietnam War. A video clip will be show to help the students gain a deeper understanding of

how Operation Rolling Thunder was implemented. Students will also learn about troop levels

for the Americans reaching 200,000 on the ground. Students will also learn a different

perspective about the war by examining the anti-war protests that were happening during this

point in time. After the students have been presented with the information and all questions have

been answered, the students will be taking a quiz to assess their knowledge. After the quiz is

distributed, taken, and collected, I will grade them and determine what information they

understand and what needs to be revisited.

Assessments

The Vietnam War Quiz

Lesson Six: Vietnam War 1968-1969

Objectives

The students will be completing a vocabulary reinforcement assessment. The students will also

be learning about the Tet Offensive and it’s significance in the Vietnam War. Students will also

gain a deeper knowledge about the Battle for Hue and the intense fighting the took place.

Another important topic that will be addressed in this less on is the My Lai Massacre.

Standards

National

NCSS

Geography




perspective.



Pennsylvania


of events.





Materials Needed



Word Search

Procedure

The students will first complete a Bellringer to check for comprehension. The students will then

be given a vocabulary activity that they must complete individually. The students must be able

to find the vocabulary terms and be able to define each one of them for the class. Students will

be presented information about the major Tet Offensive and also the My Lai Massacre. Another

interesting topic that will be covered in this lesson is President Nixon’s secret bombing of

Cambodia during this point in the war.

Assessments

Vocabulary Reinforcement Assessment

Lesson Seven: Vietnam War 1970-1972

Objectives

The students will be examining the role that Cambodia played during the Vietnam War and

discuss it’s significance. Students will also learn about the tragic Kent State incident. The

publishing of the Pentagon Papers will also be examined. Students will complete an internet

activity where they will be learning about the changes in troop levels throughout the course of

the Vietnam War.

Standards

National

NCSS

Geography




perspective.



US History




World History




Pennsylvania


of events.





Materials Needed



Worksheet – Internet Activity

Procedure

The students will start off class with a Bellringer where they will display their understanding of

the content matter. The class will then begin learning about the significance of Cambodia during

the Vietnam War. A good amount of time will be spent on the aspect of the Kent State incident.

A video clip will be shown that explains the matter in greater detail. Students will be required to

reflect on the matter and share their points of view with the class. The other important aspect

that will be covered in this lesson is the publishing of the Pentagon Papers and the implications

that it had. The bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong will also be discussed as well. After the

presentation and any questions have been answered, students will be working with their laptops

to complete the next activity.

Assessments

Worksheet - Internet Activity

Lesson Eight: Vietnam War 1973-1975

Objectives

The students will be coming to the end of the unit and learning about the last few years of the

Vietnam War. Students will learn about the withdrawal of all troops from Vietnam during this

period in time. The aftermath of the Vietnam War will also be discussed to some extent too.

This lesson is intended to conclude the Vietnam War and reflect on all of the knowledge up to

this point.

Standards

National

NCSS

Geography




perspective.



US History




World History




Pennsylvania


of events.





Materials Needed



Procedure

The students will be learning about the cease-fire signed in Paris that would go into effect on

January 28th. They will learn about the troops being sent home after the Vietnam War has ended.

Repercussions from the Vietnam War will be discussed in a classroom discussion. Students will

be asked to share their perspectives on the events that took place.

Assessments

Students will be asked to write down three major events or themes about the Vietnam War.

Lesson Nine: Vietnam War Review

Objectives

This lesson will be mostly focused around review for the unit test on the Vietnam War. The

students will be completing a practice test that covers the major themes on the actual exam. This

is a great time for the students to ask questions and review the vast amount of knowledge they

have been taught.

Standards

National

NCSS

Geography




perspective.



US History




World History




Pennsylvania


of events.









Ethnicity and race

Working conditions

Immigration

Military conflict

Economic stability

Materials Needed

Review Packet

Chalkboard

Procedure

The students will be actively engaged by asking questions and filling out the review packet.

Students will be working independently on the packets to more accurately determine what areas

need to be reviewed. This is a great time for students to prepare for the unit test tomorrow.

After everyone has completed the review packet and all questions have been answered, the class

will be going over all of the correct answers.

Assessments

Students will be working on their unit exam on the Vietnam War.

Lesson Ten: Vietnam War Unit Exam

Objectives

The students will use the entire period to take the exam on the Vietnam War. Standards

National

NCSS

Geography




perspective.



US History




World History




Pennsylvania


of events.









Ethnicity and race

Working conditions

Immigration

Military conflict

Economic stability

Materials Needed

Vietnam Unit Exams

Procedure

The students will come into class quietly and tests will be handed out to each student. Students

will then begin working on the test and will have until the end of the period to have it completed.

Assessments

Students will be filling out a review packet.

Reflection

Teaching the unit on the Vietnam War has been a truly rewarding experience. The students

enjoyed all of the lessons and were actively engaged in the learning process. Preparing a unit

plan takes a great deal of knowledge and decision making in order to make the lessons effective

in teaching the students the information. All of the lessons kept the students engaged and

wanting to learn more about the topic. The format of my unit was efficient and the assessments

were great at determining the progress of the students. Due to time restraints of only forty-five

minute classes, I did not cover the Vietnam War as in-depth as I would have liked. However, the

students in my class have gained a great deal of knowledge about the subject that they did not

previously have. I am proud of my students for working hard and achieving the high standards

that I have come to expect from them.

Bibliography

Works Cited

Education World: The Educator's Best Friend. N.p., n.d. Web.

<http://www.educationworld.com/>.

"First Indochina War." First Indochina War. Global Security, n.d. Web.

<http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/vietnam1.htm>.

"Gulf of Tonkin Controversy from 60 Minutes -- LBJ, Fulbright, Morse." YouTube. YouTube, 22

Jan. 2009. Web. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOEH-xAMHRk>.

"Kent State Massacre - (Find The Cost of Freedom; Vietnam) Nixon/The Fall of Saigon."

YouTube. YouTube, 06 Nov. 2008. Web. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=ENc49KhI8Xk>.

"PDE Standards." Pennsylvania Department of Education. Pennsylvania Department of

Education, n.d. Web. <http://www.pdesas.org/Standard/Views>.

"Vietnam - Rolling Thunder." YouTube. YouTube, 03 Aug. 2009. Web.

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTxrq_Erw-k>.

"Vietnam Database." The Vietnam Center and Archive. Archive of Modern American Warfare,

n.d. Web. <http://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/resources/digital.php>.

"Vietnam War 1945-1960 Timeline." Vietnam War 1945-1960 Timeline. The History Place, n.d.

Web. <http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html>.

"Vietnam War History." Vietnam War History. Olive-Drab, n.d. Web. <http://olive-

drab.com/od_history_vietnam.php>.

Documents

Daniel Trusky - Vietnam Lessons