Activity Overview
After learning about the Vietnam War, its varied and controversial causes, as well as the many important and tragic events that occurred, students will create a storyboard that explains the aftermath of the war. What was it like in Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon? What was the toll on the Vietnamese people? On the American soldiers? On their families and on the home front? Students can display their findings in a spider map or a chart that highlights important facts, figures, or quotes along with meaningful illustrations to demonstrate their understanding and explain the end of the decades long conflict in Vietnam. Teachers may also ask students to include a cell that analyzes how public sentiment changed in the aftermath and through to present day.
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 chart explaining the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, write a short 3-5 sentence description for each topic.
- Create a picture for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, or items to illustrate or symbolize each.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
After learning about the Vietnam War, its varied and controversial causes, as well as the many important and tragic events that occurred, students will create a storyboard that explains the aftermath of the war. What was it like in Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon? What was the toll on the Vietnamese people? On the American soldiers? On their families and on the home front? Students can display their findings in a spider map or a chart that highlights important facts, figures, or quotes along with meaningful illustrations to demonstrate their understanding and explain the end of the decades long conflict in Vietnam. Teachers may also ask students to include a cell that analyzes how public sentiment changed in the aftermath and through to present day.
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 chart explaining the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the description boxes, write a short 3-5 sentence description for each topic.
- Create a picture for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, or items to illustrate or symbolize each.
- Save and exit when you're finished.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about Aftermath of the Vietnam War
Plan a classroom debate on the impact of the Vietnam War’s aftermath.
Engage students by inviting them to participate in a structured debate about the effects of the Vietnam War’s aftermath. This encourages critical thinking and helps students explore multiple perspectives as they analyze historical consequences.
Assign clear debate roles and topics.
Divide students into groups representing different viewpoints, such as Vietnamese citizens, American soldiers, and government leaders. Assign each group a specific aspect of the aftermath to research and defend during the debate.
Guide research and evidence gathering.
Encourage students to find facts, quotes, and statistics that support their assigned perspectives. Remind them to use credible sources and to record their findings for use during the debate.
Facilitate the debate and manage time.
Set clear time limits for each group’s opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments. Moderate the discussion to ensure all voices are heard and the debate stays respectful and focused.
Reflect and connect learning to today.
After the debate, lead a class discussion about what students learned and how the Vietnam War’s aftermath still affects society. Encourage students to make connections to current events or similar conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aftermath of the Vietnam War
What were the main effects of the Vietnam War on Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon?
After the Fall of Saigon in 1975, Vietnam faced widespread devastation, a unified communist government, economic struggles, and displacement of millions. The war left lasting impacts on infrastructure, health, and the Vietnamese people's daily lives.
How did the Vietnam War impact American soldiers and their families after the war?
Many American soldiers suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), injuries, and difficulty readjusting to civilian life. Their families often faced emotional challenges and limited support as they coped with the aftermath of the war.
How did public opinion in the United States change after the Vietnam War?
After the war, U.S. public opinion shifted toward skepticism about government decisions and increased wariness of future military involvement, leading to greater public debate and antiwar movements in subsequent decades.
What are some easy ways for students to explain the aftermath of the Vietnam War in a chart or storyboard?
Students can use a spider map or chart to organize facts, figures, and quotes about the war’s aftermath, adding illustrations to represent major impacts on Vietnam, American soldiers, families, and public sentiment.
What important facts or quotes should be included in a lesson about the aftermath of the Vietnam War?
Include facts about Vietnam's rebuilding, refugee crises, the cost of war, and changes in U.S. attitudes. Quotes from veterans, civilians, and leaders help highlight personal experiences and historical perspectives.
More Storyboard That Activities
Vietnam War
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