Athletes Inquiry

Activity Overview

This inquiry-based activity asks students to research the experience of one athlete impacted by the Nazi regime in Germany. Students choose on athlete from the link provided and use the inquiry worksheet to guide their research. A supplemental activity is provided with a video link and discussion questions. The lives of the twelve athletes featured in the link all meet a tragic end. To balance these stories, students may like to read the story of Agi Keleti, a gymnast who survived the Holocaust and went on to found the Isreali women's gymnastics program. 

Grade Level

7-12

ELA Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies

RH1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.

RH7: Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

RH9: Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.

WHST5: Conduct short research projects to answer a question drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.

WHST7: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Social Studies Framework

8.5 WORLD WAR II: The aggression of the Axis powers threatened United States security and led to its entry into World War II. The nature and consequences of warfare during World War II transformed the United States and the global community. The damage from total warfare and atrocities such as the Holocaust led to a call for international efforts to protect human rights and prevent future wars. 

10.5 UNRESOLVED GLOBAL CONFLICT (1914–1945): World War I and World War II led to geopolitical changes, human and environmental devastation, and attempts to bring stability and peace.

10.5d Nationalism and ideology played a significant role in shaping the period between the world wars.

10.5e Human atrocities and mass murders occurred in this time period.

SEL Benchmarks

2B. Recognize and affirm individual identities as well as individual and group similarities and differences, including those rooted in culture, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ability, etc.

3A: Consider individual and collective social, emotional, and physical safety and well-being, as well as social context in making decisions.

(supplemental activity)
2A.2b. Communicate perceived understanding of the expressed feelings and perspectives of others.

Objectives

Students will practice research and analysis skills to learn about the experience of athletes under the Nazi regime.