Number the Stars WebQuest
Number the Stars WebQuest
What do you know about what took place in Europe and Denmark during World War II? Who was Adolf Hitler? What happened to the Jewish people?
Number the Stars written by Lois Lowry takes place in Denmark during World War II. It is a heartfelt story about two friends who face fear and danger; yet, it is also a remarkable story of the Holocaust and the people of Denmark during that time. The Holocaust is not an easy topic to explore. Though it was a terrible time in history, it is an important topic to learn about so that nothing like it will ever come about again.
The Germans censored all the newspapers in Denmark because they did not want the citizens to know what was really happening. Illegal newspapers were printed by the resistance movement so that people would know the truth. One of the resistance newspapers was called "De Frie Danske" which means "The Free Danes". You will imagine that you are a reporter for the resistance movement. It will be your job to write articles for the "De Frie Danske." The people of Denmark must be aware of the events that are unfolding around them and in neighboring countries.
Using resources from this WebQuest and dictionaries, your job will be to write two articles and include pictures in your own edition of the "De Frie Danske" to inform the citizens about the war.
Your specific role during this WebQuest is to be a reporter. You will be using the information in this WebQuest to complete the steps outlined below.
Step 2: Click on your selected research area. You will see the questions and links to be used to complete the research. You are expected to answer all the questions. All this information is to be written as an article for the "De Frie Danske." This will be a rather lengthy article. Allow Mrs. Kelley to review your article before moving to step 3.
Step 3: Select one of the two remaining topic areas. Click on the link and view the question. You need to use these questions to interview someone in the class who completed research on that topic. From the information you gather from that person, you need to write a second article for the "De Frie Danske." Allow Mrs. Kelley to review before moving to step 4.
Research Areas
1. Understanding the Holocaust
You will use the questions outlined below to help you complete research on understanding the Holocaust. The information that you gather will be used to write an article for your edition of the the "De Frie Danske."a. Who were the Allies? What countries were involved? Who were the Axis powers? What countries were involved? What is "occupation" of a country?
Allies - This will connect but it is slow.
Occupation - Find definition that is appropriate to our studies of the Holocaust. Review the timeline to find and list German occupation.
b. What is a swastika? Draw a picture of it in your notes. What did it symbolize during World War II? What is the "yellow star?" Draw a picture of it in your notes. What did it symbolize? Who had to wear it, and why?
Swastika - Picture
c. What was the Holocaust? (give an overview) Who was responsible for it? Who was Hitler? Who were the Nazis?
d. What was Hitler's "Final Solution?" What is deportation? What is genocide?
You will use the questions outlined below to help you complete research on understanding the Holocaust. The information that you gather will be used to write an article for your edition of the the "De Frie Danske."
a. Who is Knud Dyby? What did he do? What was his regular job? How did this help him do his "other" job?
Knud Duby - More information
b. What is sabotage? Use a dictionary to define, then give examples of sabotage from Number the Stars.
Describe in detail the work of the Gestapo and the SS Police State.
c. What was the "Resistance?" Who were they? What did they do? List and describe some of their activities.
d. What is liberation? Describe the liberation of the Nazi camps? Tell about the events. Tell about death marches and why they were occurring.
e. After reading Number the Stars, it has become apparent that Denmark tried to different means to help Jewish people. Describe the Rescue in Denmark.
3. Jewish Citizen of Denmark
You will use the questions outlined below to help you complete research on understanding the Holocaust. The information that you gather will be used to write an article for your edition of the the "De Frie Danske."a. Before the war began, Jews were gradually loosing many basic privileges. Use the Harsh Rules of Hatred site and the section on Jews are isolated from society to learn about the loss of rights. Record the restrictions that were placed on the Jewish people.
Jews are Isolated from Society - You will need to page down in the article until you see this heading.
b. Define and provide enough information about the following terms to help us understand who are Jews and some of their religious beliefs: Rabbi, Who is a Jew?, synagogue, Star of David, and Rosh Hashanah.
c. During the war, Jewish privileges and rights became very restricted. Some Jewish people were forced to live in ghettos. Describe life in a ghetto. What can you do? What can you not do? How do you live? Provide some information about the Warsaw Ghetto uprising.
Ghetto - Warsaw
d. As the war progressed, persecution of the Jewish people became much worse. Jewish people were forced into concentration or extermination camps. Auschwitz is a well known extermination camp. Describe in detail the conditions and how the Jewish people were forced to live while describing some of the history of the camp creation.
Auschwitz - Living conditions
As a concluding activity, you will write one wish that you have for mankind for the future on your "Star of Hope" which will be placed on the bulletin board along with your published newspaper. Think about what you have learned from this story and WebQuest. I hope you have learned a lot about human decency, kindness, and courage, as well as the story of the people of the Holocaust.