Teaching About 911 in the Secondary Classroom

911 was the worst tragedy on American soil. It resulted in the largest loss of life in American history. Many of our students were too young to remember that tragic day but often have many questions, especially the reasons why we were attacked. Here are a few interesting facts about 911 you could share with your students:

1. On September 11, 2001 the terrorist group al-Qaeda organized a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks that killed 2, 996 peopled and injured over 6,000 others. It also caused $10 billion in property damage. 

2. Michael Jackson had a meeting at the World Trade Center on 911 but overslept.

3. Although Osama bin Laden initially denied his involvement in the attacks, in 2004 he claimed responsibility.

4. Family Guy's creator had ticket for a 9/11 plane but came 10 minutes late.

5. Two F16 pilots went on a suicide mission to stop Flight 93 on 9/11. In the end, the flight's passengers took the plane down.

6. 18 people were rescued alive from the rubble of the World Trade Center site.

7. Passengers aboard United Flight 93, heard about the previous airplane attacks and attempted to retake control of the plane from hijackers. As a result, the hijackers deliberately crashed the plane in a Pennsylvania field instead of at their unknown target.

 Last year I used this activity to teach my high school U.S. History students about 911.

As students first enter the room students will watch a slide show of pictures of 9/11 while a patriotic song plays in the background. They will then learn about the causes of 9/11 by reading and answering essential questions. To end, students will complete 17 questions related to the 9/11 Memorial interactive timeline. On the timeline they will watch videos and listen to audio accounts of the events of that tragic day. Students will reflect on what they learned by answering an essential question.

This is activity is something your students will never forget!

Happy Teaching!