Designer(s): Sean Lennon
 Date Created: 11/16/2004 8:39:06 AM EST
 
TNT and big guns of WWI
Basic Information
Summary:
 The advent of a new explosive (TNT) led to the creation of large and more powerful cannons in WWI. During a time when there was no true air power these guns would characterize technological supremacy as each side would re-direct strategies in an effort to capitalize or neutralize their effectiveness
Grade/Level:
 9-11
Time Frame:
 60 minute - 90 minute lesson (1 instructional block)
Subject(s):
 Science, Social Studies, Technology
Topic(s):
 World War 1
Notes:
 Useful web sites:
Big Bertha:
http://www.worldwar1.com/heritage/bbertha.htm

TNT:
WWW.howstuffworks.com
Standards and Key Concepts
Standards:
MD- High School Core Learning Goals
• Subject : Social Studies
• Area : United States History
• Goal Goal 2 : 1899-1918: Students will examine significant ideas, beliefs and themes; organize patterns and events; analyze how individuals and societies have changed over time in Maryland and the United States.
• Expectation 2.2 : Students demonstrate understanding of the changing American society and the role of the United States in world affairs through World War I.
• Indicator 2.2.2 : Analyze U.S. foreign policy regarding World War One.
 Detail : Peoples of the Nation and World: Allied strategy during World War One
 Detail : Economics: Impact of WWI on US trade
Understandings:
 Students will understand how technological change influenced the battlefield. This influence ranged from the commanding level to the individual in the trenches.
Essential Questions:
 1. How can science innovation change the very basis for war?
2. Will the creation of deadlier weapons ever make war obsolete?
3. Were the tactics and strategies of the war effective with the new military innovations? How did you deduce this answer and why?
4. Were the big guns truly effective or were they more psychological? Explain your rational
5. What exactly is TNT and how did it influence the creation of such powerful weapons?
Knowledge and Skills:
 1. The chemical nature of TNT
2. The physical nature of TNT and why it was so effective as a military munition.
3. The technological advances of military weapons
4. The trench warfare system
5. The types of guns used by the German and French armies
6. The strategies that were ineffective, changes made and the influence this would have on post war Europe and the world
Performance Tasks and Assessment
Performance Task:
 Students will determine the exact amount of tnt needed to propel a (a) Big Bertha (b) Paris Gun (c) Dora round to a specific length
Performance Prompt:
 "How would an army decide how far back to place their guns and still hit their targets?"
Assessment/Rubrics:
 Rubrics:
Big Gun Group Activity  
Learning Experiences and Resources
Sequence of Activities:
 1. Cue set (Opening Statement)
"The ability to create more powerful, controlled explosions would lead to the creation of huge guns. Can the class explain what an explosion is?"

2. PowerPoint discussion
a. Worksheet
b. Note taking

3. Group Activity

4. Individual distance activity

5. Review and closure
Differentiated Instruction:
 1. Furnish completed notes
2. Modified Worksheet
3. Individualized assistance for distance activity
4. Modified rubric
Resources:
  • None needed
  • The number of computers required is 1.
  • Technology resources:
    Frontpage, PowerPoint, Works, Digital projector
  • Students Familiarity with Software Tool:
    Students do not need any familiarity with software for this activity


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