Teachers Guide Story Behind the Names
Overview
Two research project options are offered here: “Background Vietnam” and “The Stories Behind the Names” so you can tailor the assignment to your students’ abilities and interests. Both choices are designed so your students can create a multi-media product for presentation to the class. A grading rubric is included at the end.
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In The Shadow of The Blade Research Project: Background Vietnam
You are the teacher! Choose a sub-topic below or have one of your own approved, and become a “subject matter expert.” Create a multi-media presentation for class presentation. Date due:____________________________________.
The Hanoi Hilton Operation Babylift
The Battle of the Ia Drang Lam Son 719
Hamburger Hill Khe Sahn
War dogs in Vietnam Swift Boats
Gulf of Tonkin incident Vietnam war technology
Ho Chi Minh Trail The Navy Seawolves
The USO in Vietnam Special Forces in Vietnam
Operation Rolling Thunder Montagnard tribes in the war
Dustoff Military medics
The Purple Heart The Congressional Medal of Honor
Vietnam nurses Hospital ships
Red Cross Donut Dollies Gold Star Mothers
Navy SEALS in Vietnam PSYOPS (propaganda)
POW bracelets The Battle of Hue
The Tet Offensive Helicopters in Vietnam
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Agent Orange
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Background Vietnam Multi-Media Requirements
Final project must include:
- At least 10 slides, including:
- A title slide
- A thesis slide
- Supporting information
- Appropriate graphics
- Complete Works Cited slide
- Optional but encouraged: music, audio, art
- 2. Information from at least three written sources. One must be a first-person (primary) source.
- 3. Internal notations for quoted material.
Remember:
Text is the “meat and potatoes.” Audio and graphics are the salt and pepper. Concentrate on facts first and spices as flavor.
Do not overuse special effects, colors, mixed fonts and gimmicks which can often distract the audience.
Be sure your text is readable. Make sure fonts are large enough and stand out against backgrounds.
Do not type too much on one slide.
Pay attention to Fair Use Guidelines. Cite your sources, including photographs.
Practice your presentation before you give it! Multi-media is a way to support an oral presentation. Do not read to your audience; tell them a story. Use your slide show to support your story. Elaborate!
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TEACHER GUIDE: In The Shadow of The Blade Learning Activity:
The Stories Behind The Names
As In The Shadow of the Blade illustrates, behind each name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (“The Wall”) is the story of a person who left friends and loved ones behind. This learning activity encourages students to connect with—and perhaps help preserve—those stories in a way that will have lifelong meaning for them and others.
- Students select the name of an American killed in Vietnam, either through In the Shadow of the Blade, through personal knowledge, or through Internet listings (www.virtualwall.org) or www.thevirtualwall.org.
- Students research information about the individual, including his or her branch of service, unit, dates of service, military occupational specialty (“job”), family, city, cause of death, and another information that brings the veteran “to life.” Factual information related to the war (places, battles, roles) should be included.
- Students create a history of the person, ideally including written and graphic components. Students should also be encouraged to create a personal tribute. This project is ideally presented in a multi-media slide show, but can also be an opportunity for students to use their artistic skills in other media.
- The final product is presented to the class and, if appropriate, to the Virtual Wall, or to the family. Students should be advised that, should they have the opportunity to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, they can leave their tributes, which are collected nightly and stored by the National Archives.
Note: This is a great opportunity for young people to use their individual talents. Those who can write poetry, compose songs, paint, draw, etc. should be encouraged to use their talents in this project.
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In The Shadow of The Blade Learning Activity:
NAME:_________________________________CLASS:__________________
The Stories Behind The Names
As In The Shadow of the Blade illustrates, behind each name on the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial (“The Wall”) is the story of a person who left friends and loved ones behind. This learning activity encourages you to connect with—and perhaps help preserve—those stories in a way that will have lifelong meaning for them and others.
- Select the name of an American Killed In Action (KIA) in Vietnam, either through In The Shadow of The Blade, through personal knowledge, or through Internet listings (www.thevirtualwall.org).
2. Research information about the individual, including his or her branch of service, unit, dates of service, military occupational specialty (“job”), family, city, cause of death, and another information that brings the veteran “to life.” Factual information related to the war (places, battles, roles) should be included.
3. Create a history of the person, including written and graphic components in a multi-media presentation, according to the requirements.
Final project must include:
At least 10 slides, or an original artistic creation, including:
- A title
- A thesis
- Supporting information
- Appropriate graphics
- Complete Works Cited
- Optional but encouraged: music, audio, art
Information from at least three written sources. One must be a first-person (primary) source.
Internal notations for quoted material.
4. Present your final product to the class and, if you choose, to the Virtual Wall and/or the family. Should you ever have the opportunity to visit the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial, you can leave your tribute and it will be collected and stored by the National Archives.
Appropriate tone and respect are expected of and required from you at all times during this project.
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In The Shadow of The Blade Learning Activity:
Multi-Media Project Rubric
STUDENT’S NAME:______________________________________________________
PRESENTATION TITLE:__________________________________________________
Required slides 10 points ___________
Consistent background 10 points ___________
Readable font 20 points ___________
Substantive content 35 points ___________
Visual enhancements 15 points ___________
Reflects serious work/
Professional look 10 points ___________
Total points earned 100 points ___________
COMMENTS:
Arrowhead Films