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Dear Mr. President
Grades 4-8 • Presented for Constitution Day, September 17, 2024. Do you have a great idea to share with the President? As citizens of the United States we have the right to communicate with our elected officials. This program highlights and analyzes letters sent to President Eisenhower from kids who had some important things to say!
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Grades 4-8 • The United States Constitution provides a specific process for creating laws - one of the unique things that makes our country different from the rest of the world. Students will learn about the journey a bill must take to become a law.
The Three Branches of Government
Grades 4-8 • Why did the founders of our Constitution create the three branches of government? What role do they play in maintaining our democracy? Discover the answers to those questions and learn how President Eisenhower upheld the Constitution. This program will also allow students to analyze primary sources from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches created during Eisenhower’s presidency.
Documenting History
Grades 7-12 • As Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight Eisenhower had the unimaginable experience of touring a Nazi concentration camp and witnessing the horror that occurred there. The shock and disgust he felt compelled him to ensure that the Holocaust be documented for all to know and remember. This program takes a look at eight different types of primary sources used to document the Holocaust.
The Children of Terezin
Grades 7-12 • As Nazi forces terrorized and murdered minority groups across Europe, many other brave individuals found ways to bring salvation or solace to those being persecuted. Artwork helps tell the unique story of the Terezin concentration camp in this program.
Rose Blanche: The Holocaust in Literature
Grades 7-12 • This multi-award winning narrative revolves around Rose, a young German girl who discovers a terrible secret - Holocaust prisoners in a concentration camp near her village. By analyzing the illustrations in this book, students will discover and discuss inferences, allegories and symbolism.
Eisenhower and the Television Era
Grades 4-9 • After World War II, rising prosperity brought television into more homes, reshaping entertainment— and politics. Dwight Eisenhower led the way by embracing television as a means of communicating his ideas to the voters. His success convinced others of the importance of television in political campaigns as Eisenhower became a "TV President."
Make Do & Do Without
What could you give up in your daily life to help American soldiers half-way around the world? Your bike? Desserts? During World War II, families on the American home front saved, reused, recycled, and did without so that our troops had the food and supplies they needed to win the war. Student will explore answers to the essential question: How were Americans encouraged to save, recycle and reuse to help the war effort?
Save-Serve-Conserve
During World War II, schools all across America provided programs to get students involved in the war effort. Through saving, collecting, and volunteering, America’s youth accomplished amazing results! Students will explore answers to the essential question: How were American schools affected by World War II?
World War II Toys
Many American toy manufacturers helped support the war effort by suspending some toys, changing the materials, or using their factories to make war materials instead of toys. Kids crowded around the radio to listen to their favorite shows, and read comic books in which their favorite superheroes fought the evil Nazis. Students will explore answers to the essential question: How were toys & entertainment affected during WWII?
Supporting the War with Quarters and Dimes
During World War II, American kids supported the war effort financially in significant ways. Their efforts helped buy needed military equipment for America soldiers to win the war and come home safely. In this program, student will explore answers to the essential question: What kind of financial impact did kids make during the war?
Operation Cold War: Spy Quest
Students can explore the enduring impact of the Cold War era as they step into the intriguing world of espionage, nuclear tensions, and political complexities. This online program allows participants to view and interact with the Cold War exhibit at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Museum.
Barefoot Boy: Part 1
Grades 3-5 • What was life like for Dwight Eisenhower as a boy growing up in Abilene, Kansas? How was his life the same or different from yours? This digital, two-part experience will present artifacts like those used by Ike and his family at the turn of the 20th century. Part one introduces students to Dwight Eisenhower and explains what artifacts are and how to analyze them. Students will analyze three artifacts and learn about them through observation, discussion prompts, and videos.
Barefoot Boy: Part 2
Grades 3-5 • Continue analyzing artifacts like those used by Ike and his family at the turn of the 20th century. Part two also includes discussion prompts, videos, and a choice board follow up activity.