While most of us can vividly remember the attacks on September 11, 2001, many students are too young to have personal experiences with the fateful day. As the time separating the present day from the attacks grows, it is important that teachers educate students about the horror, tragedy and subsequent solidarity that the catastrophes provoked.
The organization behind the 9/11 Memorial & Museum provides excellent resources designed to help younger generations understand the attacks. We highlight some of our favorites.
September 11 Interactive Timeline
Using videos, oral histories, photographs and other primary resources, this timeline takes students through the events of September 11, 2001. It begins at 5:45 a.m., when hijackers passed through airport security and ends at 8:30 p.m., when President George W. Bush addressed the nation. From recordings of cellphone calls made within hijacked planes to photos of shoes worn by survivors, this timeline showcases the stories of individuals who were affected by the attacks.
The 9/11 Memorial has created dozens of lesson plans for all grade levels and subjects. From extremism to the role of rescue dogs, these plans use sources from the memorial’s extensive collection and are grounded in Common Core Standards.
Sometimes, simply having a conversation about this emotional event can be difficult. Thankfully, the 9/11 Memorial provides a brief tip sheet on talking to children about the attacks.
Pre-Visit Materials for the Classroom
Are you planning on taking students to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum during a New York City student tour? This packet provides instructional activities, key vocabulary words, questions and photographs that will help students make the most of their visit.