This database includes articles, lesson plans and primary sources from the National WWI Museum and Memorial and our partners around the world, presented in collaboration with the United States World War One Centennial Commission. Be sure to join the mailing list to get updated content and resources every other month.
Do you have resources that you want to share or have questions? Contact us at education@theworldwar.org.
Teaching Resource Database
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CHANGING TECHNOLOGY, CHANGING TACTICSHow technology changed the way WWI was foughtCreator: National WWI Museum and MemorialWhy is WWI considered the first “modern” war? In this lesson, high school students will consider the advancement in technology and, specifically, adaptations of trench warfare based on technological advances through discussion, primary sources and a hands-on activity.Download PDF |
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Technology in World War ICreator: MacArthur MemorialUsing primary sources, students will use this worksheet to think critically about changes in technology that brought tanks, planes, and submarines to the battlefield. Download PDF |
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The Air Raids That Shook Britain In The First World WarCreator: Imperial War MuseumsDuring the First World War, Britain came under attack from the air, putting civilians in the firing line for the very first time. This article from the Imperial War Museums looks at air raids, and how the public reacted.Read Online |
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9 Women Reveal The Dangers Of Working In A First World War Munitions FactorySound StoryCreator: Imperial War MuseumsFollowing a shortage of shells in 1915, the Ministry of Munitions was founded to control Britain's output of war material. A number of new initiatives were soon introduced, including an appeal to women to register for war service work. Thousands of women volunteered. This "sound story" from the Imperial War Museums uses audio clips from interviews with British women to tell the story of their lives as munitions workers in World War I.View Online |
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WWI Maker ActivityMaking MusicCreator: Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-HGeneral Pershing believed that military bands were a key element in maintaining the morale of his soldiers. In this maker activity from the Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H, young students will learn the history of music in WWI and then create their own musical instruments in a hands-on activity.Making Music - Handout (PDF), The History Behind it, Army Bands (PDF), The Science Behind it, Music (PDF) |
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Canada and the First World WarCreator: Canadian War MuseumFrom the Canadian War Museum, explore Canada's contributions to WWI. This series of articles looks into the history and technology of the war, through articles and objects from the museum's collection. Lesson plans and other teaching resources are also available.Explore Online |
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Zeppelins - Majestic and Deadly Airships of WWICreator: The Great War YouTube ChannelBalloons were used in war as early as the American Civil War, but the invention of the dirigible, a steerable airship, opened up the possibilities of this new technology. The German Army and Navy initially used Zeppelins for reconnaissance, but soon deployed them on bombing runs against civilian and military targets. To learn more about the use of Zeppelins during World War I, check out this nine-minute video from the Great War YouTube Channel.Watch Online |
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WWI Aviation History TimelineA Chronology of World War I Aviation EventsCreator: United States World War One Centennial CommissionCreated by Brigadier General R. G. Head, USAF (Ret.), the WWI Aviation History Timeline hosted by the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission provides a wealth of information about aviation before and during the First World War. Including information from almost all combatant nations, this resource provide a deep dive into aviation history.View Online |
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The Two Lives of Eugene BullardAmerican Experience: The Great WarCreator: PBSEugene Bullard was one of many Americans who joined the Lafayette Escadrille, a French aerial squadron of mostly American volunteers; however, Bullard was the only African American. He served with distinction under the French flag, but was rejected from joining the American Air Service because of his race. This article written by Cori Brosnahan in conjunction with the PBS American Experience special The Great War explores the life of Eugene Bullard.Read Online |
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The History of the U.S. Air Service in World War ICreator: Mission Centenaire 14-18When the United States declared war on April 6, 1917 they were not prepared to fight and this included the relatively small air service. This English-language article written by Christoph Bergs with France's Mission Centenaire 14-18 explores how the U.S. Air Service started almost from scratch and became a contributor to the success of the American Expeditionary Forces.Read Online |
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6 Famous WWI Fighter AcesHistory StoriesCreator: HISTORY®To become an ace during World War I, a pilot had to shoot down five enemy planes. This article by Evan Andrews from HISTORY® explores six famous aces including the Red Baron and top American ace Eddie Rickenbacker.Read Online |
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Unmanned Drones Have Been Around Since World War IWorld War I: 100 Years LaterCreator: Smithsonian MagazineWhile drones may seem like a new phenomenon, the military began experimenting with unmanned aerial vehicles during World War I. This article by Jimmy Stamp from 2013 published in Smithsonian Magazine explores the first unmanned aerial prototype developed during the War: the "Kettering Bug."Read Online |
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Could you hack it in a World War One tank?BBC iWonderCreator: BBCExplore a British Mark I Tank with this online article written by historian William Philpott for BBC's iWonder guides. iWonder is an archived series of online articles from BBC, intended to provide "thought-provoking answers to fascinating questions sparked by BBC programmes, the news, anniversaries and world events." Each subject contains videos, infographics and articles, though video content is region-locked.View Online |
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Was the WWI U-boat a death trap?BBC iWonderCreator: BBCDelve into the world of WWI submarines with this online article by Matthew Seligmann for BBC's iWonder guides. iWonder is an archived series of online articles from BBC, intended to provide "thought-provoking answers to fascinating questions sparked by BBC programmes, the news, anniversaries and world events." Each subject contains videos, infographics and articles, though video content is region-locked.View Online |
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When Flyers FlewAnalyzing "The Flight of Flanders" PoemCreator: National WWI Museum and MemorialWhat was life like as an aviator in WWI? Why did flyers agree to take on such a dangerous job in the war? As middle school students review primary sources and analyze a poem written by a Royal Flying Corps pilot they’ll decide if flying was as glamorous as the media portrayed it to be.Download PDF |
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about this project
The United States World War One Centennial Commission and the National World War I Museum and Memorial are dedicated to educating the public about the causes, events and consequences of the conflict and we encourage the use of these resources to better understand the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community.
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