At the heart of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum’s mission is to educate about the senselessness of using violence to effect change. These lessons include character development in Respect, Resilience and Responsibility and are relevant to students today.
For Educators
Overview
Before you start these lesson plans, watch this overview of the Oklahoma City bombing and tremendous efforts from first responders, investigators and volunteers that followed.
Cooperation: All Knotted Up
What role did communication play during the aftermath of the OKC bombing? How are cooperation and communication vital to society?
Evidence: What Story Does it Tell
What is the difference between testimonial and physical evidence? What are the advantages or disadvantages of each?
Honor: Remembering the Victims
Why is it important to honor and remember those who were killed on April 19, 1995?
Investigation: The First Days of the OKC Bombing
How did investigators link evidence to the two men who carried out the bombing of the Murrah building? How can the public help to solve a crime?
Recovery: The Financial Impact of the OKC Bombing
What role does the government have in helping people in a crisis?
Remembrance: The Purpose and Process of Memorialization
Why do communities need memorials? How do memorials assist the grieving? What makes a successful memorial?
Resilience: The Revitalization of Oklahoma City
Can good come out of a bad situation? What makes a person or a community resilient?
Symbols: Everyday Objects Offer Comfort, Hope and Strength
How can an everyday object become more meaningful in times of trial?
The Survivor Tree: Witness to Tragedy, Symbol of Strength
How is the Survivor Tree a symbol for resilience? Why is the Survivor Tree such a popular symbol for resilience in Oklahoma City? What are other symbols of hope that are present in our lives?