HOLOCAUST PROJECT TOPICS
Signed Contract DUE:_______________________
Project DUE:_______________________
INDEPENDENT PROJECTS 1-11
Directions: Choose an individual or group project assignment that you will enjoy working on.
The final project must be an original piece of work that will be presented on the due date and put on display in remembrance of the
Holocaust victims and survivors. Be sure to use MLA format to properly cite information. A depth and complex level of research and
understanding of the material should be applied and evident in ALL projects. The levels of depth and complexity must be identified
in a typed explanation to be submitted with all projects. All projects must be typed and include a full heading.
1.
Create an original CD soundtrack focusing on the Holocaust. Must create a soundtrack cover that reflects the songs included and a
list of the songs on the soundtrack. Include lyrics and music from songs of the past and present. Create an original song that will tie in
with the future. Explain how the lyrics are appropriate for the Holocaust as well as the tone and mood of each song. All lyrics and must
be school appropriate.
2.
Moment of Impact-Historical vs. Modern Perspective. Find a photographic image from history that holds a strong statement of social
issues or historical significance. The original photo must be paired side by side with a new representation created by you that indicates the
link between the original moment of impact of the photo and the standards, expectations, issues or beliefs of today based on the images,
colors, mood, and tone of it. Create an overall big idea for the two images to represent your title. Write an explanation including the
significance of the initial photo, reason for choosing photo, and vivid explanation on your process and thoughts as you created the image.
Images must be 5X7 or 8X10.
3.
Collect and listen to 3 songs of the Ghetto. Write an interpretation of the music including: tone, theme, 2 examples of depth and
complexity, explanations, and your reflections. Must include copy of lyrics or CD/tape.
4.
Create an Art of War. You are an important artist who has been assigned by your government to travel to the front to record your
impressions of the war. Paint a picture or create a series of drawings that show how you would portray the war. Then write an explanation
explaining why you decided to paint or draw what you did.
5.
Create a model. Build a model of a concentration camp, ghetto, or battle field. The model must be: built to scale, labeled, and have a
key.
6.
Artwork of 1940s. Collect various pieces of artwork from the 1940s and create an artistic interpretation of artwork from 1940s including: 2
examples of depth and complexity, tone, theme, explanations, and reflections of each piece of artwork. Must include copy of the artwork.
7.
Holocaust Illustration. Create an illustration of the Holocaust with a written explanation that includes: tone, symbols, colors, 2 examples
of depth and complexity, and objects.
8.
Propaganda. During the 1940s propaganda and advertisements had a huge influence on society. Research propaganda strategies and
advertisements of the 1940s. Create an advertisement using researched propaganda strategies. Written explanation of the targeted
audience, depth and complexity, tone, colors, and objects in advertisement.
9.
Rationing. Rations were a way of life during WWII. Examine the rationing that occurred in the U.S. and in Great Britain. Define rations.
Explain what items were rationed in both locations. Also explain how the two countries conducted rationing (rationing books, coupons, etc.)
In addition to a report, plan a dinner menu using the items available through rationing. Prepare one dish from the menu to share with the
class.
10. Genocide. Research a genocide from the 20th century. (Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Sudan). Create a PowerPoint that includes: your
findings, depth and complexity thinking, eight stages of genocide, compare/contrast of the genocide to the Holocaust, and symbolic
emblem of the genocide. See Ms. Baker for eight stages of genocide handout.
11. Create an allegorical illustrated picture book. Research various pictures books and allegories. Create an original allegory picture book
with colored illustrations that is parallel to an event(s) that took place during the Holocaust. The picture book must include all elements of
Freytag’s Pyramid/story map. Written explanation of the targeted audience, depth and complexity, tone, and colors chosen for illustration.
12. Proposed Project: Student may propose research project for study. Project must relate to Holocaust theme. Proposal must be typed and
include topic, research questions, and product for presentation. THE TYPED PROPOSAL MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE SIGNED
CONTRACT ON THE CONTRACT DUE DATE. THE PROPOSAL MUST BE APPROVED BY TEACHER PRIOR TO BEGINNING THE
PROJECT.
HOLOCAUST PROJECT TOPICS
Signed Contract DUE:_______________________
Project DUE:_______________________
GROUP PROJECTS
Directions: Final debates will occur in front of the class by the group. Groups may consist of no more than 4 students in the same
class period. A depth and complex level of research and understanding of the material should be applied and evident in ALL debates.
The levels of depth and complexity must be identified in a typed explanation to be submitted with all projects. All groups must
be approved by the teacher. See Ms. Baker for debate guidelines and rubric. Be sure to use MLA format to properly cite information.
Opening statements, questions for opponents, answers to questions, and closing statements must be typed.
1. United Nations Debate: Research the role of the UN. What action would the UN have taken had they known or received
information about the occurrences at one of the concentration camps? Prepare a debate for this issue. Include arguments for
not only the UN, but also Hitler and his followers. Debate will be presented in class.
2. Atomic Bomb Debate: Research the reasons for dropping the atomic bomb as well as the impact on Japan. Prepare a
debate for this issue. Include arguments for and against the dropping of the atomic bomb. Debate will be presented in class.
3. Hitler on Trial. Research the Nuremberg Trials, International Law and Hitler’s crimes. Is Hitler guilty of these crimes? How
shall he be punished? Prepare a debate for these issues. Include arguments for not only Hitler’s guilt and innocence, but also
his punishment. Debate will be presented in class.
4. Government Forms Debate. Research Socialism, Communism, and Social Democracy. What are the negative and positive
components of each form of government? Prepare a debate as to the advantages or disadvantages of each form of
government. Debate will be presented in class.
5. Concentration Camps/Japanese Encampments Debate: Research the concentration camps of WWII. Why were they
constructed? Was there justifiable cause for the concentration camps to exist? Also research the Japanese Encampments.
Why were they constructed? Was there justifiable cause for the encampments to exist? Prepare a debate arguing for or
against the use of concentration camps and the use of encampments. Debate will be presented in class.
6. WWII/Holocaust Play: Research an event that occurred during WWII/Holocaust. Create and perform a play about an event
that occurred during WWII/Holocaust. Must tell about an entire event by including the elements of Freytag’s pyramid. Typed
final script must be submitted with narrator, background information, dialogue, props, and description of movements.
Performance will be presented to the class.