Activity Overview
World War II saw tons of technology and innovation, further establishing the modes of modern warfare. Students will create a spider map that examines technology or an innovation that was created or used extensively during World War II. Students should choose one piece of technology or innovation to research and then use three cells to answer the following three questions. When students are completed with their work, the class can collaborate among their peers to share their work.
- Who invented the technology?
- How was the technology used in the war?
- Who used the technology during the war?
Possible WWII Technology or Innovations
- New Media Outlets
- Radar
- Tanks (T-34/Panzer/Sherman)
- Aircraft Innovations
- Ballistic Missiles
- Medicinal Advancements
- Nuclear Weapons
- Weapon Improvements
- Naval Improvements and Weaponry
Extended Activity
Students will explore the concept of “Theoretical History”. The central question to explore for this activity is, “What if this technology or innovation wasn’t invented during World War II?” Students can research the impact of their technology and create a storyboard that represents how the war and world would have changed without the technology being invented.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the center of the spider map, identify the innovation or technology.
- In each cell, answer the questions "Who invented it?", "How was it used during the war?" and "Who used it during the war?"
- Create an illustration for each answer, using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
World War II saw tons of technology and innovation, further establishing the modes of modern warfare. Students will create a spider map that examines technology or an innovation that was created or used extensively during World War II. Students should choose one piece of technology or innovation to research and then use three cells to answer the following three questions. When students are completed with their work, the class can collaborate among their peers to share their work.
- Who invented the technology?
- How was the technology used in the war?
- Who used the technology during the war?
Possible WWII Technology or Innovations
- New Media Outlets
- Radar
- Tanks (T-34/Panzer/Sherman)
- Aircraft Innovations
- Ballistic Missiles
- Medicinal Advancements
- Nuclear Weapons
- Weapon Improvements
- Naval Improvements and Weaponry
Extended Activity
Students will explore the concept of “Theoretical History”. The central question to explore for this activity is, “What if this technology or innovation wasn’t invented during World War II?” Students can research the impact of their technology and create a storyboard that represents how the war and world would have changed without the technology being invented.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the center of the spider map, identify the innovation or technology.
- In each cell, answer the questions "Who invented it?", "How was it used during the war?" and "Who used it during the war?"
- Create an illustration for each answer, using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Innovations and Technology During WWII
Organize a WWII Technology Gallery Walk
Arrange student projects around the classroom for a gallery walk. This approach lets students present their research visually and interact with their peers' work. Active movement and discussion boost engagement and understanding.
Prepare students with clear rotation instructions
Give students specific directions on how to rotate between projects, what to observe, and how much time to spend at each station. Clear guidelines ensure the activity runs smoothly and students stay focused.
Provide guiding questions for peer feedback
Supply students with 2–3 prompts to help them give meaningful feedback, such as "What surprised you about this technology?" or "How might this innovation have changed the war?" Guided questions encourage thoughtful responses and deeper learning.
Facilitate a whole-class reflection discussion
After the gallery walk, lead a class conversation about the most interesting discoveries and unexpected insights. This step helps students synthesize information and connect ideas across different technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Innovations and Technology During WWII
What are some major innovations and technologies from World War II?
Major innovations and technologies from World War II include radar, tanks such as the T-34 and Sherman, aircraft advancements, ballistic missiles, medicinal breakthroughs, nuclear weapons, improved weaponry, and naval technology. These inventions significantly changed the course of the war and modern combat.
How can I teach students about technology used in WWII?
To teach students about WWII technology, have them research a specific innovation, answer who invented it, how it was used, and who used it, then present their findings in a spider map. Collaborative discussions or storyboard activities can deepen their understanding.
What is a spider map activity for learning about WWII innovation?
A spider map activity involves choosing a WWII technology, placing it at the center, and using surrounding cells to answer guiding questions like who invented it, how it was used, and by whom. Students can also illustrate their responses for visual learning.
Why was radar important during World War II?
Radar was crucial in WWII because it allowed forces to detect enemy aircraft and ships from a distance, improving air defense and naval operations. This technology gave the Allies a significant strategic advantage.
What if a key WWII technology hadn’t been invented?
If a key WWII technology hadn’t been invented, the outcome of battles or even the war could have changed dramatically. Students can explore this idea by researching and storyboarding alternate histories, considering how warfare and society might have evolved differently.
More Storyboard That Activities
World War II: An Introduction
- Sherman Tank • Thomas's Pics • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Valentine Tanks on the Assembly Line • Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
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