Should military service be a personal decision-or a national requirement? Across U.S. history, the answer has changed. From citizen militias and Civil War drafts to the all-volunteer force of today, Americans have wrestled with what it means to serve-and who should be called.
Some enlist for opportunity. Others out of duty, legacy, or love of country. But with rising global tensions and growing recruitment challenges, the debate returns: Should service be optional?
Explore the evolution of military service in America-how it started, why the draft ended, and what today’s volunteer model means for freedom, fairness, and the future of national defense.
What's Included in a Lesson:
Discover the comprehensive resources included in our Military Service: A Choice or a Mandate? lesson:
- Student video viewing guide (with a note-taking section and 4 thematic questions)
- Video Lesson
- Lesson activity one
- Online formative assessment
- Lesson activity two
Our carefully designed lesson components work together to create an engaging and immersive learning experience, promoting critical thinking, and academic growth. From thought-provoking preview questions and informative video lessons to interactive activities and assessments, each element supports your students' understanding of key concepts and encourages meaningful discussions. Explore the richness of our Virtual International Field Trip lessons and inspire your students to embark on an exciting educational adventure that will broaden their perspectives and ignite their curiosity.
Lesson Presentation:
Select the preferred format for your lesson plan and access the interactive content designed to enrich your teaching experience.
Lesson Resources:
Our comprehensive Lesson Resources section includes an Educator How-To-Use Guide, providing step-by-step instructions and strategies for seamless lesson implementation. Engage your students with the Student Viewing Guide, which focuses their attention on key concepts and promotes active learning during the video lesson. Extend the learning experience with Lesson Activity One and Lesson Activity Two, offering interactive exercises that reinforce understanding and encourage critical thinking. With these carefully crafted resources at your fingertips, you'll have everything you need to create a dynamic and immersive educational journey for your students.
Online Formative Assessment:
Each lesson has an 11-question formative assessment, ten multiple choice questions, and one written response that will test your students' general understanding of the video. This can be done in class with technology or issued for homework.
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