LESSON PLANS – National Museum of Military Vehicles

At the National Museum of Military Vehicles, our mission is clear: to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families; to educate the public on the history of American freedom; and to preserve and share historic military vehicles.

Our lesson plans bring this mission to life in the classroom—designed to engage students with the powerful stories of courage, innovation, and duty that helped secure America’s liberty. Through immersive standards-aligned activities, primary-source analysis, and real-world artifacts from our galleries, students touring the museum can explore how individuals and machines shaped key moments in U.S. military history. Whether you’re teaching World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, or the broader themes of service and sacrifice, our resources empower educators and spark young minds to understand and appreciate the enduring impact of, and the history of, American freedom.

Grades K-2

• U.S. Holidays – Grades K-2
• Symbols and Messages in our Community
• Science and Technology

Grades 3-5

• Messages that Move Us
• Small Changes
• Economic Concepts

Grades 6-8

• Technological Advancements – Grades 6-8
• Power of Persuasion- Propaganda Then and Now
• Impacting the Future

Grades 9-12

• Patterns of Change – Grades 9-12
• Tools & Technology
• Propaganda & Power Civic Messaging in Wartime and Today

Grades K-12

• Gen. George C. Marshall Gallery

LESSON PLAN PROJECT – National Museum of Military Vehicles and Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program

World War II Lesson Plans and Resources:

Complementary WWII Video

• Summary of WWII to include key terms and glossary (is written to support the video summary of WWII)
• Leading up to WWII 1918-1938
• Experiencing WWII 1939-1945
• Consequences of WWII Lesson
• Battle of the Bulge Lessons
  • Battle of the Bulge Discussion Points PowerPoint
  • Battle of the Bulge Resource Handouts
• WWII Weapons and Vehicles

Korean War Lesson Plans and Resources:

Complementary Korean War Video

• Summary of the Korean War to include key terms and glossary (is written to support the video summary of the Korean War)
• Why Are There Two Koreas Synopsis (written by our Curator that goes more in depth, could be a great teacher resource for understanding)
• Leading up to the Korean War Lesson
• Experiencing the Korean War Lesson
• Consequences of the Korean War Lesson
• American POWs Experience in the Korean War Lesson

Vietnam War Lesson Plans and Resources:

Complementary Vietnam War Video

• Summary of the Vietnam War to include key terms and glossary (is written tosupport the video summary of the Vietnam War)
• Leading up to the Vietnam War Lesson
• Experiencing the Vietnam War Lesson
• Consequences of the Vietnam War Lesson
• Gulf of Tokin Lesson