Creating a Memorial Day Badge
Find Memorial Day on a calendar, listen to a short informative audio clip, and make a Memorial Day badge based off of what they have learned.
Free Lessons
Download a free hands-on activity and start teaching in minutes.
Analyzing Art From World War I
Read about the final days of World War I and the immense loss it caused many nations. Then, compare and contrast two songs about the war. Finally, conduct independent research to find and analyze a poem about World War I.
Understanding the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Read about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Then, analyze a directory of names to make personal connections with Vietnam Veterans and study photos of the memorial.
Primary Source Activities
These rich Primary Sources come with questions to guide students through analysis and can be used to facilitate classroom discussions.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Day Which Will Live in Infamy” Speech Learn about how this speech led to a declaration of war, and the beginning of the United States involvement in World War II.
- Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Points Learn about different approaches to foreign policy during the early 20th century by reading and reflecting on President Wilson’s Fourteen Points address to Congress.
Additional Resources
See these collections for additional Memorial Day ideas.
Edutopia
Incorporate some of these Memorial Day lesson plans, multimedia resources, and activities into your lesson to help students learn about this holiday.
PBS Learning Media
Take young students back in history to learn about the origin of Memorial Day with this short and engaging video.
Google Arts & Culture
Take a virtual tour through five United States veterans and war memorials to honor the people who have died while serving our country.