Mask Art Project for Upper Grades

Posted on April 29, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

geometric mask This project would have been SO COOL to try with my sixth graders! It’s a geometric paper mask that would be awesome when colored/painted. There’s a free printable and directions at this website. I would try it on your own first before attempting it with your class. Also, be sure to remind your students that they will only get one printable, so go slowly and carefully through the project. This project will definitely take more than one class period, so be sure to plan time for it and get a plan of how to preserve each student’s pieces in between sessions. In addition, make sure kids are proficient with using scissors first. This could be a cool end-of-the-year activity. These are so cool!

WWII Worksheet for Upper Grades: Battle of Iwo Jima

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

February 19 marks the anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, Japan, in World War 2 (in 1945). This is an important part of American World War 2 history, which many upper grade students learn about. Here’ s a page I put together to teach my students about this landmark battle. It provides basic information (text from ducksters.com) and asks students to write a 5-6 sentence summary using the information.

Click here for the free printable PDF: WW2 Iwo Jima article to summarize

Here are some additional interesting facts about the Battle of Iwo Jima:

The famous picture of the US Flag being raised on Iwo Jima was actually not the first flag raised by the US. Another smaller flag pole had been put there earlier.
Although the US had more soldiers wounded on Iwo Jima than the Japanese, the Japanese had many more deaths. This was because the Japanese had decided to fight to the death. Out of 18,000 Japanese soldiers only 216 were taken prisoner. The rest died in the battle.
Around 6,800 American soldiers died in the battle.
The US government awarded 27 soldiers with the Medal of Honor for their bravery during the battle.
There were six men in the famous picture showing the US flag being raised. Three were killed later in the battle. The other three became famous celebrities in the US.
The Japanese dug 11 miles of tunnels within the island of Iwo Jima.

A huge thank you to all the servicemen/women and their families who have and continue to fight for American freedom!

World War II Timeline Worksheet

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Squarehead Teachers

Here’s a timeline that gives the overview of the major events in World War II (text modified from ducksters.com). This is a great review activity for upper grades learning world or American history. It’s got 9 comprehension questions at the end.

Click here for the free printable PDF:World War II Timeline worksheet

Thank you to all the servicemen/women and their families for preserving American freedom!

Here are the answers:

1933
Germany invaded Poland
China
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan
United States (Navy)
Answers include any 3 of the following: Poland, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, northern France (NOTE: this list is not comprehensive, but it what’s listed on the timeline)
United States (Marines)
Germany, Italy and Japan
Allied Powers