Search
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/world-war-ii-1942-1945/turning-points
Turning Point: The Battle of Kursk
More options
Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Activity Overview Accordion Arrow

Activity Overview


For this activity, students will create a spider web map that outlines a major turning point in WWII during 1942-1945. A turning point is a decision, action, or change that greatly impacts the direction or outcome of a situation. Once students have researched a turning point from the war, they should create a three panel storyboard that responds to the following questions:


  1. What was the event?
  2. What was the outcome of the event?
  3. How did this event change the course of history?

Possible World War II Turning Points

  • The Battle of Stalingrad
  • The Battle of Kursk
  • D-Day
  • Operation Mincemeat
  • The Battle of Midway
  • The Manhattan Project
  • The use of the Atomic Bomb
  • Failed assassination attempts on Hitler

Extension Activity

For this extension activity, students will create an additional component to their storyboard that theorizes what they believe could have happened if their event occurred differently. For example, a student may argue that the war may have had a drastically different outcome if Hitler never invaded Russia, if Truman never dropped the Atomic Bomb, or Alan Turing did not “crack” the German Enigma machine. Students should share with their classmates their theories and have their peers share with them how credible they believe their theories were.



Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

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

Create a spider map analyzing a turning point in WW2 between 1942 and 1945, asking what the event was, what the outcome was, and how it changed history.

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. In the title boxes, type the questions you will be answering.
  3. Write a summary answering the question in the appropriate description boxes.
  4. Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
  5. Save and exit when you're done.
Spider Diagram Template with 3 Empty Boxes
More options

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Spider Maps


Activity Overview


For this activity, students will create a spider web map that outlines a major turning point in WWII during 1942-1945. A turning point is a decision, action, or change that greatly impacts the direction or outcome of a situation. Once students have researched a turning point from the war, they should create a three panel storyboard that responds to the following questions:


  1. What was the event?
  2. What was the outcome of the event?
  3. How did this event change the course of history?

Possible World War II Turning Points

  • The Battle of Stalingrad
  • The Battle of Kursk
  • D-Day
  • Operation Mincemeat
  • The Battle of Midway
  • The Manhattan Project
  • The use of the Atomic Bomb
  • Failed assassination attempts on Hitler

Extension Activity

For this extension activity, students will create an additional component to their storyboard that theorizes what they believe could have happened if their event occurred differently. For example, a student may argue that the war may have had a drastically different outcome if Hitler never invaded Russia, if Truman never dropped the Atomic Bomb, or Alan Turing did not “crack” the German Enigma machine. Students should share with their classmates their theories and have their peers share with them how credible they believe their theories were.



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

Create a spider map analyzing a turning point in WW2 between 1942 and 1945, asking what the event was, what the outcome was, and how it changed history.

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. In the title boxes, type the questions you will be answering.
  3. Write a summary answering the question in the appropriate description boxes.
  4. Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, items, or photos from Photos for Class.
  5. Save and exit when you're done.
Spider Diagram Template with 3 Empty Boxes
More options

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-12

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Type of Activity: Spider Maps


How Tos about Major Turning Points of World War II

1

Engage students with a classroom debate on alternative WWII outcomes

Foster critical thinking by organizing a structured debate where students argue how history could have changed if a major WWII turning point had a different outcome. This activity encourages research, perspective-taking, and respectful discussion.

2

Choose turning points and assign positions

Select key WWII events and assign students or groups either the historical outcome or an alternative scenario. Clear roles help students focus their research and arguments.

3

Guide evidence-based preparation

Instruct students to gather factual evidence and historical context to support their positions. Encourage use of primary sources, textbooks, and credible websites.

4

Facilitate respectful debate in class

Set ground rules for civil discourse and let each side present, rebut, and respond. Rotate roles so everyone experiences both perspectives.

5

Reflect and debrief together

Lead a class discussion on what students learned about historical causality and the complexity of world events. Encourage students to connect debate insights to today’s world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Major Turning Points of World War II

What are the major turning points of World War II between 1942 and 1945?

Major turning points of World War II (1942-1945) include the Battle of Stalingrad, Battle of Kursk, D-Day, Operation Mincemeat, Battle of Midway, the Manhattan Project, and the use of the Atomic Bomb. Each event significantly shifted the momentum of the war and influenced its outcome.

How can students create a spider map to analyze a World War II turning point?

To create a spider map, students should pick a WWII turning point, answer these questions in separate branches: What was the event? What was the outcome? How did it change history? Add summaries and relevant images to each section for a clear visual analysis.

What is a storyboard and how can it be used to understand WWII turning points?

A storyboard is a visual sequence of panels that tells a story or explains a concept. Students can use a three-panel storyboard to illustrate the event, its outcome, and its historical impact, making complex WWII events easier to understand and remember.

Why is it important to analyze turning points in World War II?

Analyzing turning points helps students grasp how specific events changed the direction of WWII, clarifies cause and effect, and deepens understanding of how history could have unfolded differently.

What are some examples of alternate history theories related to WWII turning points?

Alternate history theories include ideas like: What if Hitler never invaded Russia? What if the Atomic Bomb was never used? Or if Alan Turing didn’t crack the Enigma code? These theories help students think critically about how single events can alter world history.




Image Attributions
View All Teacher Resources

Testimonials

“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”
–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”
–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”
–Third Grade Teacher
*(This Will Start a 2-Week Free Trial - No Credit Card Needed)
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/world-war-ii-1942-1945/turning-points
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office