Late Elementary (3-5)
Lesson Plans

Facts About Terrorism and War (rl08)

Objectives

Students will:

• Brainstorm relevant words and statements to explain the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, universality.These Fundamental Principles are based on international rules developed to help and protect people during war or armed conflict, and they are basic principles of humanitarianism.
• Define "vulnerable people" and identify the protections they need during disaster or war.
• Search the media to find areas in the world where people are vulnerable and need protection.
• In response to a scenario about the separation of a family, write a Red Cross Message and a response.

Purpose

• To recognize that during times of disaster or war there are vulnerable people who need help and protection and that there are rules and principles to address these needs.

Key Terms and Concepts

• humanity
• impartiality
• neutrality
• independence
• voluntary service
• unity
• universality
• emergency
• laws
• protection
• shelter
• vulnerable people
• prisoner of war
• principles war

Activities

• "Seven Principles"
• "Vulnerable People"
• "Finding Your Family"

Home Connection

• How Do We Help?

Linking Across the Curriculum

• Art

Teaching Note

During war, or when acts of terrorism occur, students have some hard questions. To help you find a way to answer these questions, please see Background for the Teacher.

Most nations agree that in times of war there should be rules to protect groups of people, including children and other civilians, from the fighting. These rules are found in international humanitarian laws like the Geneva Conventions. Symbols such as the red cross, red crescent and red shield of David legally identify humanitarian organizations, such as the Red Cross, that remind everyone that innocent people should be protected from harm. Acts of terrorism violate or go against all humanitarian rules and behavior.

The activities in this lesson plan are meant to help students understand that even during the most tragic events, there are people to help those affected by the tragedy and humanitarian rules by which people live.

Files

(These files are in Adobe Acrobat format. If you need assistance with this format,
click on this link: Adobe Acrobat Help.)

Lesson Plan

Activity Sheet 10

Activity Sheet 11

Activity Sheet 12

This Lesson Plan was contributed by the American Red Cross.