Ohio Standards

and Objectives:

World History Content .18:

Students will analyze how the
U.S. and the Soviet Union
became superpowers and
competed for global influence.

World History Content .17:

Students will describe how
WWII devastated most of
Europe and Asia, led to the
occupation of Eastern Europe
and Japan and started the
atomic age.

Reading StandardsHistory/Social Studies:

RH.11-12.2:
Students will determine central
ideas or themes of a text;
summarize the key and
supporting details and ideas.

RH.11-12.6:
Students will assess how
point of view or purpose
shapes the content and style
of text

Reading and Responding to Unbroken by Lauren

Hillenbrand: The Story of Louis Zamperini
ITEC 57400 - Stahr
October 22, 2014

Gretchen Foltz

Lesson Summary: Students will read the biography Unbroken. They will
complete Pre-, During-, and Post-Reading activities to analyze and demonstrate their
understanding of historical events, plot, character, and key details. Students will be
able to discuss the rise of Hitler and Japans occupation of China. They will be able to
explain the human toll of WWII. They will also be able to describe the effect the Cold
War had on Louis Zamperini and others.

Entry Competencies:
Students are able to:

Read independently and actively participate in discussions

Demonstrate competency in keyboarding, editing and general computer skills
Navigate the Internet
Upload images/videos
Prepare compositions and other written work
Use Web 2.0 tools to create poster boards, animated videos, timelines

Estimated Duration: 6 weeks (50 minute periods + outside reading)

Learners: The students in Mrs. Nichols high school World History class are
college-bound tenth-graders from a rural, high-poverty area. They are ages 15-16 and
are evenly distributed by gender. Student reading levels are at or above grade level.
They learn best when engaged in activities that are hands-on, collaborative, and
relevant to their lives. They prefer to have a variety of options in order to demonstrate
knowledge and learning.

Writing Standards
History/Social Studies:

Media-related Instructional Procedures:

WHIST. 11-12.6:

**the computer lab schedule can be accessed through www.greenfield.k12.oh.us.

Click on McClain High School, then click Computer Lab Schedules to enter the dates
and times needed to complete any of the following suggested activities.

Students will use technology

including the internet, to
produce and publish writing
and to interact and collaborate
with others.

NETS-S Tech Standards:

Creativity and Innovation:
Students will use Web 2.0 tools
to demonstrate creative
thinking, construct knowledge,
and develop innovative
products and processes.
Students apply digital tools to
gather, evaluate, and use
information.

Week 1:
Pre-Reading activities 1. http://www.nbcnews.com/id/21134540/vp/40272753
Prior to reading the biography, students will watch a video interview of author
Laura Hillenbrand on the Today Show from Friday, November 10, 2010. The
video is just over 5 minutes in length and is a nice introduction to the book.

2. http://laurahillenbrandbooks.com:
Prior to reading the biography, students working in pairs or individually can
use a teacher-created guided worksheet to explore the website that provides
an overview of character information, photos and an interactive map. They
will drag the cursor over the circles for details about Zamperinis journey.

During-Reading Activities
Week 2:
3. www.louiszamperini.net
Using the brief biography found on this website, students can create a digital timeline of
Zamperinis life prior to the end of WWII. Students can identify facts of his early life, his
participation in the 1936 Olympics, and his military movements during WWII.
4. www.capzles.com
Students can use this Web 2.0 tool to create a timeline complete with pictures,
documents and captions. (Music and videos can also be imbedded.) This website is free
to join and includes an easy share button or email option to submit work digitally.
Students must provide an email but no other personal information is required. A free
iPhone app is also available. Capzles works best with Chrome.

Week 3:
5. www.tagxedo.com
After students have read and discussed the use of propaganda by the U.S. and the
Japanese in WWII, students can use this Web 2.0 tool to create a word cloud. Individual
students can upload files, articles, reports and even websites to design a unique word
cloud that represents the differing propaganda tactics and words used by either the U.S.
or Japan. The user can choose from multiple designs and shapes. This free website does
not require students to create accounts. The teacher or library media specialist can ask
students to locate an article prior to using Tagxedo. Students then can save, share or
print their final word clouds for display or to use in a debate.
6. www.rewordify.com
Rewordify is a teacher tool used to differentiate for readers who struggle with complex
vocabulary. Copy and paste key passages from the reading into the box and click
rewordify. The program simplifies and highlights vocabulary for better
comprehension. It also provides ways to create quizzes, cloze tests, and worksheets
related to the reading. A special educators link is provided for lesson plan ideas. The
website is free and easy to use. Teachers can create safe accounts for students to track
their learning. Students can also access this website independently in the library to
adjust readings of their choice; the site is free of ads and features optional web filtering
settings.

Week 4:
7. http://bolstablog.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/zamperini/
The Redemption of Louie Zamperini from Triumph of the Spirit, a blog by Phil Bolsta,
includes a 45 minute feature of Zamperinis life, broken into four segments. This video
aired on CBS during the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano. Correspondent Bob
Simon narrates each segment. Footage of Zamperini carrying the torch is included.
Students can watch the videos, especially segments 1 and 2, independently or as a whole
group. A silent chat discussion method can be used to share insights and reactions to the
video.
8. This website also includes a link to an AUDIO clip from a radio interview on May 16, 1976 by
Dr. Lois Ferm. In the 4 minute interview, Zamperini explains how his life was impacted by a
Billy Graham Crusade meeting in 1949. A transcript of the interview is also included.
Students can listen to the audio independently and provide a written, one-paragraph
summary of the key details discussed between Ferm and Zamperini.
Week 5:
9. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/12/24/olympian-runner-hero-wwii-honored-anew
A more recent tribute to Louis Zamperini is found at this link to a special report by
James Rosen December 24, 2010. In Olympian Runner, Hero of WWII is Honored
Anew, Rosen narrates a video profile of Zamperini. A written account of the video also
includes details about his encounter with the war criminal Mutsuhiro Watanabe, a.k.a.
"The Bird." Students should view this video (5:14) after they have read on their own that
The Bird is eventually freed despite his crimes. After students view the video as a
whole group, they can respond by writing a response on an exit card explaining their
feelings and opinions about this surprise twist in the life of Zamperini.
10. http://quozio.com
Students can instantly create an image out of text using this Web 2.0 tool. They can enter
a meaningful quote from the book and who said it into the box to get started. Students
can change styles, designs, and fonts to visually reflect the quotes meaning. Users are
not required to make an account or provide email information. Quotes can be shared,
displayed in the classroom or on a bulletin board in the library to encourage others to
read Unbroken.

Post-Reading Activities
Week 6:
Once students have finished reading Unbroken, they may choose from the following activities to
create a project that encompasses their understanding of the rise of Hitler and Japans
occupation of China, the human toll of WWII and/or the effect the Cold War had on Zamperini
and others.

11. http://edu.glogster.com/?ref=com ($)

Students can make a virtual poster board to create informative, interactive displays
related to the book. They can use preset templates for all subjects including Social
Studies or create their own by uploading images, videos, audio and clip art. The teacher
can explore this Web 2.0 tool with a free 7-day trial or subscribe 1 teacher/125 students
for $95 per year. District wide and multi-year licenses are available. Glogster works best
with Chrome.
12. www.powtoon.com
Students can opt to recreate a scene from the book using this free Web 2.0 tool. They
can create animated videos and presentations by using provided templates or
constructing their own. They can upload images and music (or choose from the available
props) to create a Five Senses presentation including food and other items that reflect
the plot, characters or theme of the book. Students are required to provide an email
address and Chrome is required for the program.
13. www.vimeo.com
Students can record their original videos with smart phones, iPhones or other devices
and upload them to Vimeo. A free Cameo iOS app is available for download. After
recording a key scene from the book, students can upload the videos to edit or add music
tracks (some free) from the Music Store. Links are available to help students create
better videos, and add copyright licenses with Creative Commons. This free program is
available to students after registering for an account using an email address. No
annoying pop-up ads are found on this website.
14. www.prezi.com
Students can opt to create an interactive map using Prezi, a free presentation tool. They
can choose to upgrade to access additional features, although many options are available
at no cost. Students can upload images of the places Zamperini traveled to and lead the
tour in chronological order. They can imbed videos, voice-overs and music to the
presentation as well.

15. https://drive.google.com
Using Google Docs, students can write a letter to the author of Unbroken, Zamperini or
another character in the book. They can compose a letter from their own perspective or
that of a character to reflect the events and emotions of the plot. They can use direct
quotes and specific evidence from the book to support their responses. Letters can be
shared on Google Drive. Students must have a Google account and have access to Google
Chrome.

Bibliographic Information:

Be a great presenter. (n.d.). prezi.com. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from http://www.prezi.com
Bolsta, P. (n.d.). The Redemption of Louie Zamperini. Triumph of the Spirit. Retrieved October
21, 2014, from http://bolstablog.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/zamperini/
Video segments of Zamperini's life. Audio of Zamperini's 1076 interview with Dr.
Lois Ferm.
Capzles Social Storytelling | Online Timeline Maker | Share Photos, Videos, Text, Music and
Documents Easily. (n.d.). Capzles Social Storytelling | Online Timeline Maker | Share
Photos, Videos, Text, Music and Documents Easily. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from
http://www.capzles.com
Goldman, N. M. (n.d.). Read smarter now.. Rewordify.com. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from
http://www.rewordify.com
Google. (n.d.). Google. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from https://google.com
Hillenbrand, L. (2010). Unbroken: a World War II story of survival, resilience, and redemption.
New York: Random House.
Laura Hillenbrand: Author of Unbroken and Seabiscuit. (2010.). Laura Hillenbrand Books About
The Book Comments. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from

http://laurahillenbrandbooks.com
Louis Zamperini. (n.d.). Louis Zamperini. Retrieved October 21, 2014, from
http://www.louiszamperini.net
NBCNews.com Video Player. (2010, November 19). NBCNews.com Video Player. Retrieved
October 21, 2014, from http://www.nbcnews.com/id/21134540/vp/40272753
An interview with Unbroken author Laura Hillenbrand.
One Glog, full story. (n.d.). Glogster EDU: A complete educational solution for digital and
mobile teaching and learning.. Retrieved October 18, 2014, from
http://edu.glogster.com/?ref=com
PowToon - Brings Awesomeness to your presentations. (n.d.). PowToon. Retrieved October 21,
2014, from http://www.powtoon.com
Quozio - Make Beautiful Quotes. (n.d.). Quozio - Make Beautiful Quotes. Retrieved October 21,
2014, from http://quozio.com
Rosen, J. (2010, December 24). Olympian Runner, Hero of WWII is Honored Anew. Fox News.
Retrieved October 21, 2014, from
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/12/24/olympian-runner-hero-wwii-honoredanew
Tagxedo - Word Cloud with Styles. (n.d.). Tagxedo. Retrieved October 20, 2014, from
http://www.tagxedo.com
Vimeo, Your Videos Belong Here. (n.d.). Vimeo, Your Videos Belong Here. Retrieved October
21, 2014, from http://www.vimeo.com