Second World War - Pearl Harbour 1941

This lesson examines the attack on Pearl Harbour on 7th December 1941, which prompted the United States to enter World War II. Students will learn about the causes, events, and consequences of the attack. Activities include brainstorming prior knowledge, video analysis, categorising causes and consequences, guided reading, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with a reflection on the impact of the attack on American public opinion and the course of the war.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:
Discuss what students already know about the attack on Pearl Harbour.
Write down ideas and swap with peers to create a comprehensive spider diagram.

What Was It?
Provide an overview of the attack, including key details about the surprise military strike by the Japanese Navy Air Service.

Video Analysis:
Watch clips from the Imperial War Museum and other sources to gather additional information on the causes and consequences of the attack.
Add notes to the spider diagram.

Why Did Japan Attack? What Were the Consequences?
Break down the causes and consequences into three categories: political, economic, and military.
Define each category and discuss examples.

Causes and Consequences of the Attack:
Complete a worksheet by colour coding the causes and consequences according to their categories.
Draw icons to help remember each factor.
Write a summary of the events of the day.

Guided Reading Task:
Give each paragraph a subheading and write down three key facts for each.

Why is it Known as ‘A Day that Will Live in Infamy’?
Watch and listen to President Franklin Roosevelt’s speech given the day after the attack.
Discuss the key points and the USA’s response.

Writing Task:
Write two paragraphs explaining the consequences of the attack on Pearl Harbour using the PEEKA paragraph structure.
Plan the answer using the PEEKA grid and guidance sheet.

Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the written paragraphs.
Reflect on the immediate and long-term impacts of the attack on Pearl Harbour.

Resources:
Spider diagram template
Video links on the attack
Worksheet for categorising causes and consequences
Guided reading text
PEEKA paragraph guidelines and planning sheet