“The Falling Man” is an image by photographer Richard Drew, circulated by the press immediately after the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001. The image shows a man plummeting headfirst to the ground, having leaped from the burning towers. 

This lesson will focus specifically on this image, studying the photographer, its controversial circulation in news outlets, and the public's reaction to it.

Includes handouts for students.

Lesson written by Vaughan O. Danvers, Edward B. Shallow Junior High School, Brooklyn, New York

  6 - 8    9 - 12    Social Studies/History    911    september11    teaching911  

This lesson is an investigation into the role that spirituality played in the perpetrators’ motivation and ability to carry out the 9/11 attacks.

This lesson is designed for grade levels 9-12 and is challenging.  Modifications could include excerpting text, vocabulary assist list, teacher read-aloud, and modeling analysis. Teachers can also parse this activity into separate lessons.

Includes handouts for students.

Lesson written by Michael Curran, DeMatha Catholic High School, Hyattsville, Maryland

  9 - 12    Social Studies/History    911    teaching911    september11  

In this three-part lesson, students look at the manifestations of Islamophobia, from post-9/11 to the present. The first lesson will look at the roots of the word, “prejudice” and how students have experienced it. Students will have a chance to answer questions about prejudice through a gallery walk and will share with each other. The second lesson is a case study of a Syrian Immigrant named Rasha, whose family was detained in a New York City jail for three months in 2002. They were taken into custody without due process. Students will read Rasha’s story and engage in a discussion. The final lesson will ask students to examine how they are perceived by others and how that makes them feel. They will do this through an activity and a TED Talk titled “What it is like to be Muslim in America.”

Lesson written by DeAnna Duffy, Evanston Township High School, Evanston, IL

  9 - 12    Social Studies/History    911    september11    teaching911