Can you decide your own destiny? Do you have control of your life? Can people from another country or another religion determine your fate in life? What is the significance of world events to the society in which we live in today? Moreover, can your life be affected by political events? Because of our independent nature, we sometimes forget the influence of world events on our own lives.

Before reading The Diary of Anne Frank, it is important to gain a sense of the events surrounding the novel.  There are many significant events that are in relation to the story like World War I and its aftermath, The Weimar Republic, The Nazi rise to power, The Nuremburg Trials, and many more. While they all share certain common characteristics, each possesses unique characteristics of their own. Each plays a part in gaining a sense of appreciation and understanding of The Diary of Anne Frank. Once foundation of this knowledge has been laid, then a full cognizance of the diary can take place.
 
 

Imagine that you are in a time machine and have returned to the year 1946. You find yourself in a courtroom. You are a reporter whose assignment is to write a featured newspaper article that attempts to examine one of the major events that took place in the past 30 years that lead to the Nuremburg Trials.

Your job requires you to research these events and gather pertinent information. You will have to pitch your article to the editor in order to get back to the year 2001. Remember, choose your sources carefully because a lack of pertinent information will alter history and cause you to be stuck in the "lack of information era."

You will use the internet, our class text, and your brain to collect, examine and analyze historical documents that relate to the event you choose to explore. You will work in groups of 6 students. Each student will choose a specific role to play as you work together to research the events that took place during this time period.

Step 1. After I assign you to groups, each student will pick one of the topics, from the research section, to cover.

Step 2. Next, you are to pick a role that you would like to play in your group.

Step 3. Individually conduct research on your topics. Use the resources that I have provided you.

Step 4. Find everyone that has the same event as you to review, discuss and determine the most details of the event you chose. Use the Rubrics to guide you through the process. Remember to focus on the essential facts about your topic.

Step 5. Go the the Inspiration Resource sheet and link at least four subtopics to your event. Save it to a disk.
 

Step 6. Using Microsoft Word, draft seven questions that you think every student should be able answer about your event.

Step 7. Save your questions on a disk and print. I will collect all the questions from the printer.

Step 8. Go back to your original teams and share your information with them.

Step 9. Take notes on each event (hint: the recorder can use Microsoft Word to take notes on every event and print out copies for the group.

Step 10. "Hunt through the Web sites to answer the question sheet. This sheet will test your knowledge of all the events. Use Microsoft Word and print your answer sheets.

Step 11. Return to expert teams to compare answers.

Below is a suggested lists of links. Remember that you are responsible for reporting history to future generations. It is not necessary to visit all the links to get the information you need. You can use outside sources. Check the source of the information to determine reliability.

1.Research Section (bibliography information is provided at Web sites):

* Click here to find information on World War I and its aftermath.

*Click here to find information on the Weimar Republic.

*Click here to find information on the Nazi rise to power.

*Click here to find information on Nazi Anti-semitism.

*Click here to find information on World War  II and the Holocaust.

*Click here to find information on The Final Solution.

*Click here to find information on the end of the war.

*Click here to find information on how the world responded after the war.
 
 
 

2.Click here for the question sheet that will help guide you through your
   research.

3. If you choose to use books to conduct your research click here.

4. Click here to find the Inspiration Resource sheet.

5. Click here for CD Rom resources.
 
 

You will be evaluated a variety of ways.

Check the Collaboration Rubric for the score that reflects your ability to work in groups to perform a task.

Check the Reading and Research Rubric for the score that reflects your ability to read for information.
 

Congratulations! You have completed your research on the historical events that surrounded The Diary of Anne Frank. What events surrounded The Diary of Anne Frank? What do you think the story will be about?

After using the Internet to research your topic, you should be able to write about it, and share it with others. You have shown your ability to read to perform a task. Are you stuck in the "lack of information era? Are you ready to provide the editor with information for the newspaper?

Reading for information is crucial to build knowledge. Using technology is essential to you as lifelong learners. In what other ways can you use this strategy in your school and in the community?