This site works in conjunction with my 8th grade U.S. history class. We cover 20th Century U.S. history, current events, and the U.S. and Illinois constitutions. Homework can be viewed on the Middle School website.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Iraq & Vietnam
We are discussing Ch 30 on Vietnam in school now and comparing the War to the current war in Iraq.
WEBQUEST
Find websites that chronicle what life is like for U.S. soldiers in Iraq. You can then use this information to help you write your letter with realism and creativity. Be prepared to share what you find with the class.
Assignment
Chapter 30 Assessment
Comparing the Vietnam War and the current Iraq War
You have been called up for active duty!
You were recently called up for active duty for the armed forces. You will need your notebook, folder, and textbook. Warning: There may be spies in our midst and sensitive information could fall into enemy hands. You may not share your supplies or information with anyone. You may use information from any sources and your own knowledge, but you may not share it with other soldiers.
To start writing this letter, we will use the RAFT formula.
R is for Role. You are a solider but what kind? Where in Iraq?
You could also be:
· a nurse or doctor
· a soldier from another country in Iraq like Poland or England
· a civilian at home in the U.S. writing to someone in Iraq
· an Iraqi civilian or police officer writing to family in the U.S.
A is for Audience. Imagine who you will be writing to: Will you be writing to your fiancĂ©? Family? Mother? Sibling? Friend? Don’t forget to write in letter format and keep in character.
F is for Format. I’m asking that you write a letter, but you could also write diary entries, rather than to a person. You can also write the letter as an email instead of a paper letter. Just remember, whichever format you choose you must have an introduction and conclusion.
T is for Topic. The topic is the similarities and differences between the Vietnam War and the current Iraq War, and whether you think that the Wars should be compared or not.
Your grade for the letter will be based on:
- Accuracy of information
- Your comparisons of similarities and differences, using details and examples
- Whether you think that comparing the Wars is acceptable or not
- Your creativity and connections in your letter
See the rubric on the other side for the details of how you will be graded.