9/11 Curriculum

Non-fiction, 9/11 educational resources based on first-person accounts for grades K-12.

Elementary School Grades K-2

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT I GRADES K-2

Grades K-2

This unit is based on 'My Buddy's a Hero — And I Didn't Even Know It,' the first book in the Discovering Heroes® series of books for kids. Designed by educators in the 9/11 community to increase awareness to September 11, 2001 and everyday heroes, this Guide includes background for teachers, ancillary social studies lessons and learning activities that are appropriate for grades K-2.

In the book, Grandpa, a retired lieutenant in the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY), shares his brave account of 9/11 with his grandchildren for the first time. Grandpa helped rescue the last man out alive from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT II GRADES K-2

Grades K-2

This unit is based on 'Remembering Heroes,' the second book in the Discovering Heroes® series of book for kids. Designed by educators in the 9/11 community to increase awareness to September 11, 2001 and everyday heroes, this Guide includes background for teachers, ancillary social studies lessons and learning activities that are appropriate for grades K-2.

The main characters continue a journey to acquire knowledge of the heroes of 9/11 and the importance of remembering them. Students gain deeper meaning of the hero concept as it is presented and expanded through the chapters. Heroism and remembering are reinforced through the use of real people, specifically firefighters from FDNY's Rescue Company 1 who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 at the Twin Towers.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT III GRADES K-2

Grades K-2

This unit is based on '9/11 Courage and Tributes,' the third book in the Discovering Heroes® series of books for kids. Designed by educators in the 9/11 community to increase awareness to September 11, 2001 and everyday heroes, this Guide includes background for teachers, ancillary social studies lessons and learning activities that are appropriate for grades K-2.

The main characters continue a journey to acquire knowledge of the heroes of 9/11 and the important tributes to their sacrifice so they will always be remembered.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT IV GRADES K-2

Grades K-2

This unit is designed to increase understanding about September 11, 2001 among elementary school students, grades K-2. This Guide includes ancillary social studies lessons, learning activities and background for teachers. From basic facts about America's darkest day, to connections about community helpers and heroes, this unit will give students a strong foundational understanding of 9/11.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

9/11 Instructional Unit VII for Grade K-2 book

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT VII GRADES K-2

Grades K-2

This unit is designed to increase understanding about September 11, 2001 among elementary school students, grades K-2. This Guide includes ancillary physical education lessons, learning activities and background for teachers. From basic skills that first responders need, to the training that 9/11 heroes used on America's darkest day, this unit will give students a strong foundational understanding of the physical skills needed to be a first responder and the heroism displayed on 9/11.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT X GRADES K-2

Grades K-2

This unit is designed to increase understanding about September 11, 2001 among elementary school students, grades K-2. This Guide includes ancillary art lessons, learning activities and background for teachers. From basic facts about America's darkest day, to connections through creative and visual art, this unit will give students a foundational understanding of 9/11 and the emotional impact it has on the nation.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, National Core Arts Standards, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

LESSON FOR MY SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 BOOK GRADES K-2

Grades K-2

This lesson and accompanying student activity was designed by educators in the 9/11 community to increase awareness to September 11, 2001 and everyday heroes among students in grades K-2. Students learn basic facts about America's darkest day, color relevant art and turn seemingly random pieces of paper into their own sequential book about 9/11 for a keepsake. This thoughtful, engaging lesson and student activity is incorporated into our 9/11 Instructional Unit IV Grades K-2.

Unit Resources

My September 11, 2001 Book

Elementary School Grades 3-5

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT I GRADES 3-5

Grades 3-5

This unit is based on 'My Buddy's a Hero — And I Didn't Even Know It,' the first book in the Discovering Heroes® series of books for kids. Designed by educators in the 9/11 community to increase awareness to September 11, 2001 and everyday heroes, this Guide includes background for teachers, ancillary social studies lessons and learning activities that are appropriate for grades 3-5.

In the book, Grandpa, a retired lieutenant in the Fire Department of New York City (FDNY), shares his brave account of 9/11 with his grandchildren for the first time. Grandpa helped rescue the last man out alive from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards

PDF Download

Unit Resources

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT II GRADES 3-5

Grades 3-5

This unit is based on 'Remembering Heroes,' the second book in the Discovering Heroes® series of book for kids. Designed by educators in the 9/11 community to increase awareness to September 11, 2001 and everyday heroes, this Guide includes background for teachers, ancillary social studies lessons and learning activities that are appropriate for grades 3-5.

The main characters continue a journey to acquire knowledge of the heroes of 9/11 and the importance of remembering them. Students gain deeper meaning of the hero concept as it is presented and expanded through the chapters. Heroism and remembering are reinforced through the use of real people, specifically firefighters from FDNY's Rescue Company 1 who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 at the Twin Towers.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT III GRADES 3-5

Grades 3-5

This unit is based on '9/11 Courage and Tributes,' the third book in the Discovering Heroes® series of books for kids. Designed by educators in the 9/11 community to increase awareness to September 11, 2001 and everyday heroes, this Guide includes background for teachers, ancillary social studies lessons and learning activities that are appropriate for grades 3-5.

The main characters continue a journey to acquire knowledge of the heroes of 9/11 and the important tributes to their sacrifice so they will always be remembered.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT V GRADES 3-5

Grades 3-5

This unit is designed to increase understanding about September 11, 2001 among elementary school students. This Guide includes background for teachers, ancillary social studies lessons and learning activities appropriate for grades 3-5. From basic facts about America's darkest day, to comparing and contrasting first-person video accounts about the day, to learning about 9/11's legacy of goodness, this unit will give students a strong foundational understanding of 9/11.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT VIII GRADES 3-5

Grades 3-5

This unit is designed to increase understanding about September 11, 2001 among elementary school students, grades 3-5. This Guide includes ancillary social studies lessons, background for teachers, and learning activities to further children's understanding of compelling and supporting questions while students pursue their own research. From basic facts about America's darkest day to the impact it continues to have on people today, this unit will give students a strong foundational understanding of 9/11 and how to research the topic.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

LESSON FOR 9/11 TIMELINE GRADES 3-5

Grades 3-5

A lesson designed to increase understanding about September 11, 2001 among elementary school students, grades 3-5. Students learn about the largest attack on American soil through primary and secondary sources and use the information gained to create their own timeline of the day.

Unit Resources

Middle School Grades 6-8

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT V GRADES 6-8

Grades 6-8

This unit is designed to increase understanding about September 11, 2001 among middle school students. This Guide includes background for teachers, ancillary social studies lessons and learning activities appropriate for grades 6-8. From basic facts about America's darkest day, to comparing and contrasting first-person video accounts about the day, to learning about 9/11's legacy of goodness, this unit will give students a strong foundational understanding of 9/11.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT VIII GRADES 6-8

Grades 6-8

This unit is designed to increase understanding about September 11, 2001 among middle school students, grades 6-8. This Guide includes ancillary social studies lessons, background for teachers, and learning activities to further children's understanding of compelling and supporting questions while students pursue their own research. From basic facts about America's darkest day to the impact it continues to have on people today, this unit will give students a strong foundational understanding of 9/11 and how to research the topic.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT IX GRADES 6-8

Grades 6-8

This unit is designed to increase understanding about September 11, 2001 among middle school students. This Guide includes background for teachers, ancillary social studies lessons and learning activities appropriate for grades 6-8. From basic facts about America's darkest day, to the different experiences had by survivors and first responders of the day, this unit will give students a strong foundational understanding of 9/11.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

LESSON FOR 9/11 NEVER FORGET MOBILE EXHIBIT VIRTUAL TOUR GRADES 6-8

Grades 6-8

This lesson and accompanying student activity was designed by educators in the 9/11 community to increase awareness to September 11, 2001 and everyday heroes among students in grades 6-8. Students will be able to virtually interact with the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit, which is a tribute to all who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and all who continue to lose their lives to 9/11-related illnesses.

Unit Resources

LESSON FOR 9/11 MEMORIALS GRADES 6-8

Grades 6-8

This lesson and activity outline the events of September 11, 2001, and introduce students to two 9/11 memorials, Postcards, located in Staten Island, New York, and Tower of Voices, located near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Students observe and analyze the memorials and their meaning. Students will draw conclusions about the memorials' purpose of honoring the unique and important lives who were lost on 9/11 and gather information about the characteristics of memorials in general.

Unit Resources

High School Grades 9-12

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT VI GRADES 9-12

Grades 9-12

This unit is designed to increase understanding about September 11, 2001 among students in high school. This Guide includes background for teachers, ancillary social studies lessons and learning activities, appropriate for grades 9-12. From basic facts about America's darkest day, to the aftermath of the attacks, globally and at home, this unit will give students a strong foundational understanding of 9/11.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

9/11 INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT IX GRADES 9-12

Grades 9-12

This unit is designed to increase understanding about September 11, 2001 among students in high school. This Guide includes background for teachers, ancillary social studies lessons and learning activities appropriate for grades 9-12. From basic facts about America's darkest day, to the different experiences had by survivors and first responders of the day, this unit will give students a strong foundational understanding of 9/11.

Scope & Sequence

See the Instructional Focus, Objectives, Unit Level Questions, Vocabulary, Ancillary Materials, ELA Connections, C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards.

PDF Download

Unit Resources

LESSON FOR RESCUE FROM GROUND ZERO GRADES 9-12

Grades 9-12

This lesson was designed by educators in the 9/11 community to increase awareness to September 11, 2001 and everyday heroes among students in grades 9-12. This remarkable story of survival and resilience is intended to teach students about the experiences of three people at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Two of the people were trapped for many hours and rescued and the other person is one of many of their rescuers. This thoughtful and engaging lesson is available as a standalone lesson and it has also been incorporated into our 9/11 Instructional Unit IX Grades 9-12, which can be found above.

Unit Resources

Lesson: Video: Rescue from Ground Zero

LESSON FOR 9/11 NEVER FORGET MOBILE EXHIBIT VIRTUAL TOUR GRADES 9-12

Grades 9-12

This lesson and accompanying student activity was designed by educators in the 9/11 community to increase awareness to September 11, 2001 and everyday heroes among students in grades 9-12. Students will be able to virtually interact with the 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit, which is a tribute to all who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and all who continue to lose their lives to 9/11-related illnesses.

Unit Resources

Lesson: Virtual Tour: 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit Virtual Tour

LESSON: AN ANTHEM FOR FIRST RESPONDERS GRADES 9-12

Grades 9-12

A lesson that analyzes the song, Superman (It's Not Easy), by songwriter and performer, John Ondrasik, popularly known as Five For Fighting, and why it became an unofficial anthem for first responders after 9/11, giving insight into their sentiment and devastating experiences.