Unit
Courage
Guiding question
The ability to take constructive action in the face of fear or danger. To stand firm as a person of character and do what is right, especially when it is unpopular or puts you at risk.
- 16 Lessons
- 19 Activities
- American Revolution
- Civil War
- Founders
- African American History
- Civil Rights
- Equality
- Freedom of Religion
- Military
- President
- War
Founding Principles
Lessons:
All lessons can be found below!
- Robert Gould Shaw’s Courageous Decision
- The Courage of General Anthony McAuliffe at Bastogne
- Washington’s Choice: The Crossing of the Delaware
- Fix Bayonets! Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s Courage at Gettysburg
- The Pilgrims’ Courageous Journey
- The Spirit of St. Louis: Charles Lindbergh and Courage
- One Giant Leap for Mankind: Neil Armstrong and Courage
- Number 42: Jackie Robinson and Courage
- Anne Hutchinson and Courage: In the Face of Adversity
- John Minor Wisdom: Dauntless Decision Maker
- The Dawn’s Early Light: The Defense of Fort McHenry and Courage
- Andrew Jackson’s Courageous Decision at New Orleans
- The Great Day in My Life: Theodore Roosevelt, the Charge at San Juan Hill, and Courage
- The Most Decorated American Soldier of World War II: Audie Murphy, World War II, and Courage
- We are Not Afraid and We Shall Overcome: The Freedom Rides and Courage
- The Courage of General Matthew Ridgway
Lessons
How did Colonel Robert Gould Shaw’s decision display courage when he took charge of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry regiment? How did he make his decision and what was its significance to the nation and the overall war effort? How can students make similar courageous decisions in their own lives?
In this lesson, students will learn about the life of General Anthony McAuliffe. They will examine his courageous stand during the Battle of the Bulge and its impact on the Allied war effort. Using this example, students will learn how they can be courageous in their own lives.
In this lesson, students will review George Washington’s courageous actions in leading his troops to cross the Delaware River against overwhelming obstacles in order to attack and defeat the British army’s Hessian forces at Trenton, New Jersey. They will achieve the following objectives.
In this lesson, students will explore the role Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain played in the Battle of Gettysburg. Students will specifically learn about his actions on July 2 on Little Round Top and its significance to the Union’s overall victory in the battle.
In this lesson, students will learn about the journey the Pilgrims took before landing at Plymouth Rock and settling in the New World. They will learn about the numerous setbacks they had to overcome in their journey and come to understand the courage often required to accomplish one’s purpose.
How did Charles Lindbergh the courage demonstrate during his cross-Atlantic flight? How can students act with courage in their own lives?
How can the courage of Neil Armstrong, who led the Apollo 11 space mission and became the first man to walk on the moon, inspire students to cultivate and apply courage in their own lives?
How did Jackie Robinson, who persevered through the integration of major league baseball, display courage? Students will see how they can courageously fight for equality in their own lives.
How did Anne Hutchinson practice courage to support religious freedom in the American colonies?
In this lesson, students will learn about how John Minor Wisdom courageously stood up against discrimination and segregation as a Circuit Court judge.
In this lesson, students will learn about the courageous efforts of Major Armistead and the soldiers at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. They will also think about ways in which they can be courageous in their own lives.
In this lesson, students will learn about the courageous actions Andrew Jackson took during the Battle of New Orleans. Students will learn how courage shaped Jackson’s life and see how imperative it was to his success. Students will also learn how being courageous can positively affect their own identity and purpose.
In this lesson, students will learn about Theodore Roosevelt, who exercised courage to overcome illness and to lead troops in Cuba. They will also consider how to cultivate and apply courage in their own lives.
How did Audie Murphy, the most decorated American soldier of World War II, display courage? How can students cultivate and apply courage in their own lives?
How did the Freedom Riders in the early days of the 1960s Civil Rights movement display courage? How can students act courageously in their own lives?
In this lesson, students will explore the life of Matthew Ridgway and his role in the Korean War. Students will understand how Matthew Ridgway’s courage helped save the United States’ and United Nations’ forces during the Korean War. Through his example, they will learn how they can use courage in their own lives to accomplish their purpose.