World War II History Lessons
Teach about the Second World War using tools that work: strong visual storytelling in films that capture students’ attention and imagination. Our free discussion...
Overview
Bomber Boys: WWII Flight Jacket Art is a large-format photographic history of the painted leather jackets worn by American airmen in World War II. Further, it is the most comprehensive visual record of A-2 jackets ever produced. Award-winning photographer John Slemp captured the tactile beauty of the leather. The artwork that adorns the jackets is archival quality.
Beyond a beautiful coffee-table book or a unique way to learn about World War II, Bomber Boys is an invitation to engage with a moment in history that continues to influence life in the United States and around the globe. The layout of the book is elegantly accessible. The book uses photography to document the painted A-2 leather jackets. It also features portraits of the airmen and personal stories of the young men and women who fought in World War II.
We recommend ordering a book for your classroom to support key primary source learning. Our educational resources highlight: oral history, primary sources, folk art, fashion, material culture, cultural products, World War II History, Women Airforce Service Pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen and more. There is a special discount code for educators. Use: TEACHBB at check out for $30 off!!
Where to Watch
The learning materials include links to short videos featuring oral histories from World War II veterans. In addition to these videos, highlighed in the learning materials, the book itself is a key resource for learning. The oral history videos are the “short films” considered relevant for educational instruction.
You can get your book here. Use: TEACHBB at check out for $30 off!!
Learning Guide
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Section 1: The A-2 Jacket: A Visual Timeline from Past to Present
This section includes 3 handouts, including a visual timeline.
Subject: Art History, History, Social Studies, U.S. History, World History
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Section 2: Material Culture: How Things Reveal History
This section includes 1 handout and 2 worksheets.
Subject: History, Social Studies, U.S. History, World History
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Section 3: Folk Art and Symbology: The A-2
This section includes 2 handouts and 1 worksheet.
Subject: Art History, History, Social Studies, U.S. History, Visual Arts, Visual Literacy, World History
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Section 4: Extraordinary Meets Ordinary in Bomber Boys
This section includes 3 handouts and 2 worksheets. Furthermore, it highlights the Women Airforce Service Pilots and includes oral history and pilot profiles.
Subject: History, Social Studies, U.S. History, World History
Additional Details about the Learning Guide
Section 1 Handouts:
Handout 1: The A-2 Jacket as a Historical Document
Fast Facts on the A-2
Handout 2: The Bomber Jacket: Influence on Fashion
Handout 3: A-2: A Visual Timeline
Section 2 Handouts and Worksheets:
Handout 4: Material Culture: How Things Reveal History
Worksheet 1: Material Culture: Object Analysis
Worksheet 2: Missing Museum Peer Analysis
Section 3 Handouts and Worksheets:
Handout 5: The A-2 Folk Art & Symbology
Handout 6: Useful Terms
Worksheet 3: The A-2 as Folk Art & Symbology
Section 4 Handouts and Worksheets:
Handout 7: Primary and Secondary Sources in Action
Handout 8: What is Oral History?
Worksheet 4: Oral History Quiz
Worksheet 5: Story Investigation Notes
Handout 6: Profiles
WASP: Women Airforce Service Pilots
Billy Lewis
Robert Mitchell, Jr.
Ray Zisk
Albert McMahan
Ernest Erickso
Group Discussion Facilitation Guidelines
These tips can help you create safe space for classroom engagement on the themes and subjects of these films.
Sustainable Development Goals
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