U.S. History | Cold War | Primary Source Document Based | Card Sort Activity
In this hands-on, collaborative activity, students will be placed into small groups to analyze 20 short primary source excerpts related to the events of the Cold War from 1945 to 1990. After their analysis, students will work in their groups to complete a Key Concept Card Sort.
A key concept card sort is a method in which students categorize information (like terms, concepts, or content) written on cards into groups based on how they understand and think the cards should be organized. Appropriate for grades 8-12.
Great PREVIEW of concepts before you dig deeper (to assess prior knowledge) or is an excellent ASSESSMENT tool after you have completed the Cold War Unit (see what they learned)!
How it Works:
Put students into groups of 3 or 4 students.
DEFINE: Students are given a set of KEY TERM / VOCABULARY cards, you can review the meaning of these terms with students or they can use the class textbook/internet for help!
ANALYSIS: Next, groups will read through 20 short primary source excerpt CARDS and analyze the meaning of each excerpt.
RECORD: Students will record their primary source analysis on a provided graphic organizer.
Students are then given a set of 7 THEME cards.
SORTING: Student groups will sort the cards into groups, matching the primary source excerpts to their corresponding vocabulary and theme cards based on how they believe them to be related- this leads to GREAT discussion of Cold War concepts! (Teacher is encouraged to circulate the room and listen to student discussions to assess understanding). Students record their findings on their graphic organizer!
COLD WAR TOPICS/THEMES:
Cold War Hotspots
Military Alliances
Policy of Containment
Policy of Expansionism
Space Race
Arms Race
Cold War Diplomacy
Satellite Nations
Bay of Pigs
Cuban Missile Crisis
Korean War
Vietnam War
Sputnik
NATO/WARSAW PACT
Marshall Plan/Truman Doctrine
Iron Curtain
Berlin Wall/berlin Airlift
Flexible Response
Domino Effect
BONUS: Includes a creative Extension/ EXIT CARD ACTIVITY!
**Includes a Google and Traditional Version for your use!
