Historical Background of Number the Stars Research Project As We Have Discussed in Class, the Next Novel We Will Be Reading Is
Historical Background of Number the Stars Research Project
As we have discussed in class, the next novel we will be reading is called, Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry. This is a historical fiction novel, which means the story is set in the past and borrows true characteristics of the time period in which it is set. Number the Stars takes place in the year 1943 in Copenhagen, Denmark. In order for us to comprehend the plot of this novel, we have to have a strong understanding of its historical context. To build our background knowledge, you will be working in groups to research a specific topic related to the history of the novel.
The research topics are: ● Group 1: The Danish Resistance ● Group 2: King Christian X ● Group 3: The Nazi Party ● Group 4: The Holocaust ● Group 5: Jewish Traditions and Culture ● Group 6: Life in Denmark During WWII
With your assigned groups, you will explore resources on your topic. You may use the internet, books, dictionaries, videos, and magazines for your research. I encourage you to use as many resources as possible. After you have completed your research, your group will design a poster demonstrating what you have learned about your topic.
Your poster should include: ● A title (your topic) ● The names of your group members (in the bottom right corner) ● A definition (3-5 sentences) of your topic ○ What is is and why it is important ● 2 images related to your topic ● 2 interesting facts about your topic (not included in your summary)
This project is worth 20 points and will be graded according to the following rubric:
Your poster includes a title: ______/3 points Your poster has the name of your group members on the bottom right corner_____/ 2 points Your poster contains a definition (3-5 sentences) about your topic ______/5 points Your poster contains at least 2 images related to your topic ____/5 points Your poster contains at least 2 interesting facts about your topic _____/ 5 points Total points ______/20 You will have 2 days to complete this project. - Day 1: explore resources with your group answer research questions. - Day 2: Make your poster - no pencil! Everything should be outlined in marker/colored - Day 4: present your poster. All group members must speak during the presentation! Group 1: The Danish Resistance
Guiding Questions for Research: ● What was the Danish Resistance? ● What was the goal of the Danish Resistance? ● Why was it important? ● Who was involved in the Resistance? ● What are some facts about the Danish Resistance?
Helpful Websites: ● Jewish Virtual Library: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-rescue-of-danis h-jews ● Danish Resistance Durirng the Holocaust http://www.holocaustresearchproject.org/revolt/danish resistance.html
Group 2: King Christian X
Guiding Questions for Research: ● Who was King Christian X? ● What country did he lead? ● Why was he important to Jewish people? ● What are some facts about him?
Helpful Websites ● King Christian X of Denmark https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId= 10008043 ● The Danish King Chr.X http://www.auschwitz.dk/Docu/King.htm
Group 3: The Nazi Party
Guiding Questions for Research: ● What was the Nazi Party? ● What was the goal of the Nazi Party? ● Why was it important? ● Who was the leader of the Nazi Party? ● What are some facts about the Nazi Party?
Helpful Websites ● Nazi Party https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Nazi-Party/353 523 ● Nazi Germany https://wiki.kidzsearch.com/wiki/Nazi_Germany
Group 4: The Holocaust
Guiding Questions for Research: ● What was the Holocaust? ● What was the goal of the Holocaust? ● Why was it an important event in history? ● What were death camps? Name some of them. ● What are some facts about the Holocaust/Death camps?
Helpful Websites ● World War II History http://www.ducksters.com/history/world_war_ii/holoca ust.php ● The Holocaust https://www.ushmm.org/learn/students/the-holocaust- a-learning-site-for-students
Group 5: Jewish Traditions and Culture
Guiding Questions for Research: ● What are some Jewish Traditions? ● What is the Star of David? ● What was life like for Jewish people in the year 1943? ● Who was Anne Frank? ● What are some facts about Jewish Culture?
Helpful Websites ● Anne Frank https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId= 10005210 ● The Holocaust https://www.holocaustcenter.org/holocaust-badges
Group 6: Life in Denmark During WWII
Guiding Questions for Research: ● What was life like in Denmark during WWII? ● What is the capital of Denmark? ● Denmark borders which country? ● What was life like for the Jewish population in Denmark during this time? ● What are some facts about life in Denmark during WWII?
Helpful Websites ● A Force More Powerful http://www.aforcemorepowerful.org/films/afmp/stories/ denmark.php ● German occupation https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/ge rman-occupation-1940-1945/