Activity Overview
The protest the Tinker children led wasn't the only protest against the Vietnam War.As American death tolls climbed throughout the war, more and more Americas became vocal in their opposition of American Involvement in the War. Although the Tinkers were too young to vote, they chose to bring the protests of the war to their classroom.
By researching Vietnam War protests, students will have a deeper understanding of how the Tinker’s actions were not as uncommon as they might have initially thought. In this activity, students will create a spider map that illustrates at least 3 protests that occurred against the war. Students should be encouraged to research both specific protests and general forms of protests such as draft-card burning and the use of popular music. Teachers may also encourage students to identify how these forms of protests have continued throughout our society following the Vietnam War.
Example Vietnam War Protests
- Kent State Protest 1970
- Madison Square Garden, 1965
- Pentagon Protest 1967
- Teach-Ins 1967
- Draft Card Burning
- October 1969
- May 1967 - NYC
- Anti-Dow Letters
- Draft Dodging
- Anti-War Music
- Anti-War Art
- 1965 March Against The Vietnam War in D.C.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map illustrating different protests against the Vietnam War.
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the protests you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write a bit about the protest.
- Create a visualization for each using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The protest the Tinker children led wasn't the only protest against the Vietnam War.As American death tolls climbed throughout the war, more and more Americas became vocal in their opposition of American Involvement in the War. Although the Tinkers were too young to vote, they chose to bring the protests of the war to their classroom.
By researching Vietnam War protests, students will have a deeper understanding of how the Tinker’s actions were not as uncommon as they might have initially thought. In this activity, students will create a spider map that illustrates at least 3 protests that occurred against the war. Students should be encouraged to research both specific protests and general forms of protests such as draft-card burning and the use of popular music. Teachers may also encourage students to identify how these forms of protests have continued throughout our society following the Vietnam War.
Example Vietnam War Protests
- Kent State Protest 1970
- Madison Square Garden, 1965
- Pentagon Protest 1967
- Teach-Ins 1967
- Draft Card Burning
- October 1969
- May 1967 - NYC
- Anti-Dow Letters
- Draft Dodging
- Anti-War Music
- Anti-War Art
- 1965 March Against The Vietnam War in D.C.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map illustrating different protests against the Vietnam War.
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the protests you have chosen.
- In the description boxes, write a bit about the protest.
- Create a visualization for each using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about History of Vietnam War Protests
Incorporate primary sources to deepen protest research
Enhance understanding by guiding students to analyze primary sources such as protest photos, newspaper articles, and firsthand accounts. This helps them connect directly with perspectives from the Vietnam War era and make their research more vivid and authentic.
Model how to find age-appropriate primary sources online
Show students how to use trusted sites like the Library of Congress or National Archives to locate relevant, student-friendly materials on Vietnam War protests. Demonstrate keyword searches and filtering results by date or type for best matches.
Guide students to analyze and discuss primary source materials
Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups to examine images or documents, asking questions about who created them and what message was intended. Facilitate short discussions to share findings and perspectives.
Help students integrate primary source evidence into their spider maps
Have students select one or two key quotes or images from their research and add them to their spider map descriptions. Model how to cite sources simply, emphasizing the importance of giving credit.
Conclude with a class reflection on the impact of primary sources
Lead a discussion on how using original materials changed or deepened their understanding of protest movements. Highlight the value of firsthand evidence for building historical empathy and insight.
Frequently Asked Questions about History of Vietnam War Protests
What were the most significant Vietnam War protests?
Major Vietnam War protests included the Kent State protest of 1970, the Pentagon protest in 1967, the March Against The Vietnam War in D.C. in 1965, and widespread draft card burning. These demonstrations reflected growing public opposition to U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
How can students research and visualize Vietnam War protests in class?
Students can research Vietnam War protests by exploring historical events, photos, news articles, and music from the era. Visualizing these protests using a spider map helps them organize information about different types of protests and their significance.
What is a spider map activity for Vietnam War protests?
A spider map activity is a graphic organizer where students illustrate various Vietnam War protests, such as teach-ins or anti-war music, by creating labeled sections with brief descriptions and visuals for each protest.
Why did many Americans protest the Vietnam War?
Americans protested the Vietnam War due to rising casualties, opposition to the draft, and disagreement with U.S. military involvement. Many believed the war was unjust and wanted to influence government policy.
How did the Tinker case relate to Vietnam War protests in schools?
The Tinker case involved students wearing black armbands to protest the Vietnam War, highlighting how even young people brought anti-war activism into classrooms and sparked a landmark Supreme Court decision on student free speech.
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