The American Journey © 2007

Chapter 23: World War I

Web Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter students have read about World War I. Using new technology the military developed submarines, flame throwers, tanks, improved machine guns, poison gas, and other weapons. The airplane had been invented earlier in the century. Now military leaders found it useful in war. In this activity students will take a closer look at two of the most famous "aces" of World War I.

Lesson Description
Students will review "The Aerodrome," a site about the air war in World War I. They will read about two of the war's great aces, Eddie Rickenbacker and Manfred von Richthofen. After answering several questions they will create a chart that compares the two aviators.

1. The learner will be able to analyze information about two men.
2. The learner will be able to create a chart comparing the war achievements of two men from different countries.

1. Rickenbacker was born on October 8, 1890, in Columbus, Ohio.
2. He achieved 26 victories, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Medal of Honor.
3. Richthofen was born on May 2, 1892, and was killed in action on April 21, 1918.
4. Richthofen was nicknamed the Red Knight of Germany, the Red Baron, and the Red Devil because he painted the fuselage of his plane red.
5. Students' charts should accurately present the information from the Web site.