Lesson Plans

Lesson plans are designed to take one to three class periods and use constructive pedagogies and hands-on activities that ask students to synthesize a mix of primary sources, exhibit text, oral histories and other historical information. Lesson plans include instructions, materials, and optional extensions to connect the lessons to other subject areas (world history, Asian American Studies) or deepen students’ critical thinking.

Justice for Filipino World War II Veterans mural

1. Teaching with Duty to Country

This resource guide overviews the mix of  interviews, primary sources, animations and illustrations, videos and profile cards found on the Duty to Country website and in the Under One Flag exhibit and includes suggestions for how to teach with them.

2. Confronting U.S. Imperialism in the Philippines

Students review six primary sources to learn how U.S. presence shaped life in the Philippines during the colonial period, then create an illustration to synthesize what they learned.

3. Filling in the Picture: World War II in the Philippines

Students use the online exhibit and illustrations to trace the course of World War II in the Philippines, then look for a primary source that “fills in the picture.”

4. Putting the Rescission Act on Trial

Students prepare for and conduct a mock trial of the 1946 Rescission Act by reviewing up to 14 primary sources to find evidence; can be adapted to create a DBQ.

5. You Decide: Filipino Veterans’ Long Fight for Justice

Students read scenarios and debate what to do at each of five key turning points in the long civil rights movement for Filipino veterans’ benefits and recognition.

Share your thoughts about the Duty to Country Curriculum

We invite educators to share their feedback on the Duty to Country curriculum. This survey asks about where and what you typically teach, and for your feedback on the educator materials themselves. We estimate it will take 15 minutes to complete the survey. Thank you for your time, your feedback helps us make Duty to Country stronger.