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Commemorating 9/11 in the Classroom

September 6, 2017

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Hundreds of people—including families of victims and influential political and military figures—will gather on the 9/11 Memorial in New York City for a special commemoration ceremony, and the Tribute in Light will once again illuminate the skyline.

In a letter, 9/11 Memorial & Museum President Alice M. Greenwald encourages everyone to seek out commemorative events in their hometown, including in the classroom. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum offers the following resources:

Anniversary in the Schools Webinar
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s 16th anniversary webinar is a free, age-appropriate educational program filmed inside the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Available on-demand all day, the webinar connects students and teachers from around the world with museum staff and guest speakers to learn about the importance of commemoration. Information is available for preparation and participation, including pre- and post-webinar activities.

Classroom Resources
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum offers a diverse set of resources for learning about and teaching the attacks in the classroom. In addition to standards-based lesson plans and teaching guides for grades K-12, the organization also offers materials for the classroom, primary sources, an interactive timeline and more.

Talking about Terrorism
Terrorism isn’t an easy topic to discuss with students. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum provides tips for teaching about terrorism with students, and PBS offers activities that tie to curriculum standards.

Since 9/11, many Muslim groups have reported widespread bias, and students have faced discrimination. Teaching Tolerance provides resources for educators with an emphasis on social justice and anti-bias.

Courtesy of SYTA.

Photo courtesy of Marley White.