Skip to main content

Platoon

I've had a few students ask for recommendations with regard to Vietnam War films. Personally, my preferences are "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Platoon." I'll provide Wikipedia and other links here so you can learn more about these films. After you've done your research and you decide to view one of these films, let me know. Perhaps we can work together on coming up with a project to go along with one of the films.

"Platoon" (Wikipedia):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platoon_%28film%29
Other links:
http://www.platoondvd.com/
Washington Post review:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/platoonrattanasio_a0ad90.htm
Interview with Oliver Stone (He discusses both "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Platoon.")
http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/Stone/stone-con5.html
PBS American Experience - Vietnam
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/vietnam/index.html

"Born on the Fourth of July" (Wikipedia)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Born_on_the_Fourth_of_July
Labels:

Comments

tylermi w said…
I was wondering..... Although "Platoon" and "Born on The Fourth of July" have to do with the Vietnam war do either of these movies have anything to do with the other sides story? I know they deal with mostly America and American soldiers but what about the Democratic Republic of Vietnam? My idea is maybe I would be able to use one of these as a World History project if I was able to learn not just about the Americans but also the side of the Vietnamese. Would this be possible? If not i would appreciate some thoughts or suggestions.
July 9, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Social Studies Toolbox said…
tyler- Platoon might be a better choice, but yes, you can definitely do something with one of these movies. In Platoon, there is a scene roughly based on the My Lai massacre. Maybe you would want to research that event and post your comments here. I also have a photojournalism lesson posted on the blog dealing with iconic images from the Vietnam War.
July 11, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

10 Creative One-Pager Ideas for Social Studies

10 Creative One-Pager Ideas for Social Studies As a social studies teacher, you understand that the subject is one of the most important aspects of education, and it is vital to keep your students engaged and motivated in their learning. One way to achieve this is through the use of one-pagers, a creative and visually appealing way to summarize information and showcase understanding. One-pagers offer a chance to showcase a student’s creativity, critical thinking skills, and grasp of the subject. In this blog post, we will explore ten creative one-pager ideas for social studies that will not only maximize your students’ learning but also spark their creativity and critical thinking skills. Why Use One-Pagers in Social Studies? One-pagers are an excellent way to get students engaged in the learning process. They are a creative and visually appealing way to summarize information and showcase understanding. By utilizing one-pagers, you can help your students to: Process information more ef...
3 comments
Read more

Examples of Map Legends and Map Symbols (Plus Creative Tips and Project Ideas!)

Creative tips and projects for teaching students about legends (keys) on a map: 1. Create a scavenger hunt: Give students a map with a key and have them find different landmarks or features on the map. For example, you might ask them to find a park, a school, and a river. This is a fun way to get students engaged with maps and help them learn how to read legends. 2. Make your own map: Have students create their own maps of their school or neighborhood. They can include symbols for different features like buildings, parks, and roads. This is a great way to get students thinking about the different elements that go into making a map. 3. Use technology: There are many online tools that allow you to create custom maps with your own symbols and legends. Have students use these tools to create their own maps of their community or a fictional place. 4. Create a legend matching game: Create cards with different symbols from a map legend and have students match them to the correct definition. T...
7 comments
Read more

Ripped Paper World Map Project - Middle or High School Geography

Earlier this week I presented my students with a challenge. Create a world map using construction paper, glue, and a sharpie. No scissors.  Students were not allowed to use any tools to cut out their continents. They had to tear their continents from construction paper. After their continents were ready, students were asked to label them and then glue them in place.  Each student's map needed a title, compass rose, key, symbols, Equator, and Prime Meridian, and all the continents and oceans had to be labeled. Most of my students had a blast creating their maps. Of course, a couple students were anxious; worried their continents wouldn't look nice. With some reassuring, they proceeded and did just fine.  This activity is a perfect back-to-school or sub-day activity. It required very little prep and materials. I let my students use any color construction paper they wanted as long as they selected two different colors.  The results were fantastic! Grab your copy of the ...
Post a Comment
Read more