The Topic: Terrorism Use caution when accessing the following websites with your students. The links and contents are likely to be revised as new information about terrorism becomes available.   Easier - Terrorism is the use of threats and violence to frighten or alarm people.   Harder - Terrorists murder and kidnap people, set off bombs, hijack airplanes, set fires, and commit other serious attacks and crimes. Most terrorist groups have a small number of members. Unlike ordinary criminals, their goals are not to acquire money or some other form of personal gain. Terrorists attack people who oppose their cause or objects that symbolize such opposition.   Terrorist acts are committed for a variety of reasons. Some terrorist groups support a particular political philosophy. Other organizations represent ethnic groups seeking liberation from governments in power. Terrorist dictators employ violence to frighten or eliminate their opposition. Terrorists believe the threat or use of violence is the best way to create fear, gain publicity and notoriety, and increase support for their causes.     America Responds from PBS http://www.pbs.org/americaresponds/ This site provides coverage of the event and information on the World Trade Center, bin Laden, and the future of war. Related Websites: 2) American Arab Anti Discrimination Committee http://www.adc.org/ 3) Counterterrorism from U.S. Department of State http://www.state.gov/s/ct/ 4) Dealing With the Terrorist Attacks from Kids Health http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/misc/terrorist_attacks.html 4) How to Help After the Terrorist Attacks from Kids Health http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/misc/attacks_help.html 5) Hunting Bin Laden from PBS http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/ 6) Response to Terrorism from U.S. Department of State http://usinfo.state.gov/topical/pol/terror/ 7) World Shares U.S. Grief from CNN http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/09/13/world.response/index.html   Counter-Terrorism Page http://www.terrorism.net/home.asp This is an online resource for those interested in, working in, or studying the areas of terrorism, counter-terrorism, and violent nationalist movements. Related Websites: 2) Counterterrorism at About.com http://search.about.com/fullsearch.htm?meta=rs&terms=Counterterrorism 3) 1st Spot Terrorism and Counter-terrorism http://xunil.hypermart.net/topic_terrorism.html 4) Counter-Terrorism from the Jewish Virtual Library http://www.us-israel.org/jsource/Terrorism/countertoc.html 5) Counter-Terrorism from the Virtual World of Intelligence (Links-site) http://www.virtualfreesites.com/covert.counter.html 6) Office of Counterterrorism from U.S. Department of State http://www.state.gov/www/global/terrorism/index.html   Terrorism from Webnds http://www.users.fl.net.au/~nds/terror.html This links-site that connects to articles and resources on terrorism in general, law enforcement, investigation of terrorist activities, and many other related topics. Related Websites: 2) Terrorism from About.com http://conspiracies.about.com/cs/terrorism/ 3) Terrorism from the Anti-Defamation League http://www.adl.org/main_terrorism.asp 4) Terrorism from the Jewish Virtual Library http://www.us-israel.org/jsource/Terrorism/terrortoc.html 5) Terrorism from the Virtual World of Intelligence http://www.virtualfreesites.com/covert.terrorism.html   Terrorism Research Center http://www.terrorism.com/index.shtml This website is provided by an organization dedicated to informing the public of the phenomena of terrorism and information warfare. It features essays and thought pieces on current issues, as well as links to other terrorism documents, research and resources.    After visiting several of the websites, complete one or more of the following activities on the study of terrorism.   Hug a Hero. Write a "thank you story or poem" that speaks to a particular hero you've read about (such as a volunteer worker, police officer, firefighter, or medical worker) or one that you invent from a combination of many people who participated in the World Trade Center Recovery.   Create a Comparison. People have compared the World Trade Center and Pentagon tragedies to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Others have compared the attacks to other historical events. Create your own comparisons. Create a Venn Diagram showing your comparison.   Build a Memory Book. Create a scrapbook or collage that traces the events of a terrorist attack. Write about what each item means to you.   Write a Word Poem. Using a word such as liberty, freedom, or peace, create a word poem that expresses your feelings about terrorism.   Create a Symbol. People are donating blood, wearing ribbons, lighting candles, and planting trees to show their global support for peace. Invent your own symbol. What does it mean? How would you share it with others?   Explain the Terror. Many people, particularly children, are fearful of terrorism. Create a picture book that would explain terrorism to younger children.   Teach Tolerance. Terrorists are often a radical group within a larger political or religious organization. Our world is a diverse place. Brainstorm ways to support those people who might be discriminated against as a result of a focus on a particular group. For example, many people are targeting all Arabs for crimes of a few terrorists. How can we prevent this?   Address the Issues. What are the key issues regarding the problem of global terrorism? Select an issue and debate a specific issue.   Create a Combat Terrorism Poster. Use the websites on this page to learn more about terrorism. Create a poster showing ways to combat terrorism.   The Face of Terrorism. Terrorism can take many forms. Create a list of the many forms of terrorism and learn more about this issue. Create a web page to share with other students that will help people become more informed about this type of terrorism and what people can do about it.   Consider a New Type of War. Many people are talking about terrorism being a "new kind of war." Do you agree or disagree? How is terrorism like and unlike the wars we've fought in the past? Email a class in another country that has experience with terrorism such as a class in the Middle East, South America, or Africa. Use epals to find a class.   Discuss the Making of a Terrorist. Explore the people involved with terrorist activities. Write about the characteristics of the people who participate in terrorism. Create a profile of a person who might particulate in this type of activity. Discuss these profiles and their implications.   Debate Rights versus Protection. As terrorism becomes an increasing threat, people are discussing the issue of "rights versus protection." In other words, many government agencies are talking about limiting public information access, increasing security, and other actions that might reduce civil liberties. Do you agree or disagrees with these limitations? Debate a particular issue such as the right to information about troop movements.   Visualize Terrorism. Using software such as 'Inspiration,' construct a concept map that shows the terms and relationships that are encompassed by terrorism. Think in terms of all kinds/forms of terrorism. Expand your web to include all the terms, phrases, and concepts that you see are involved. Can you convert your graphic to a large poster for public display?   Complete A WebQuest Related To Terrorism. Follow or adapt the procedures found at one of the following webQuest sites: 1) Recourse to Violence by J. Elliott (Grades 9-12) http://www.dlcwest.com/~southey/RECOURSE.HTM 2) Domestic and International Terrorism (Grade 10) by C. Miccinilli http://www.ramsey.k12.nj.us/webquest/projects/rhs/socialstudies/terrorquest/ 3) Middle East Peace by E. Molina (Grades 9-12) http://coe.west.asu.edu/students/emolina/webquest/theintroduction.htm 4) One Man's Freedom Fighter is Another Man's Terrorist by D. MacDonald (Grades 7-9) http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/one_man_freedom/ 5) Peace in The Middle East: A WebQuest by Mr. Barnwell (Grade 7) http://www.acsamman.edu.jo/~ms/mepeace/index.html     Websites By Kids For Kids Modern Terrorism (2000 ThinkQuest Internet Challenge) http://library.thinkquest.org/C002609/index1.htm Terrorism has been a part of human history since the beginning of time. Though its objectives have always been the same, to use terror in pursuing political or social agendas, its power has never been as frighteningly high as it is now. In this brave new age we live in, are we prepared to face this ever-present threat to peace and society?   More Websites on Terrorism Basics: Combatting Terrorism http://www.terrorism.com/terrorism/basics.shtml There is much confusion over what terrorism is and is not. The following is an essay from the US Army's Command & General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The essay explains the basics of terrorism and details the US policy towards this phenomenon.   Biological Terrorism from Radio National (Background Briefing, August 29, 1999) http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/bbing/stories/s48674.htm This radio program investigates the threat of biological weapons.   CATO Institute http://www.cato.org/ The Institute provides comments on military options, defense budget implications and civil liberties issues in response to Tuesday's (Sept. 11, 2001) terrorist attacks. Related Section: 2) CATO on Terrorism http://www.cato.org/current/terrorism/   Defining International Terrorism at E Law, Murdoch Univ. Electronic Journal of Law http://www.murdoch.edu.au/elaw/issues/v6n1/obote-odora61.html This scholarly paper summarizes the definitions of terrorism.   Terrorism in the United States from the Federal Bureau of Investigation http://www.fbi.gov/publications/terror/terroris.htm This site contains pdf files of the reports of terrorist activities around the globe from 1996 to 1999. Related Websites: 2) Patterns of Global Terrorism from U.S. Department of State http://www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/pgtrpt/2000/ 3) Terrorism from the Centre for Defence and International Security Studies http://www.cdiss.org/terror.htm   Backgrounder: Terrorism from the Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/library/terror.htm This article summarizes the U.S. policies prior to Sept. 11, 2001. Related Websites: 2) Counterterrorism from U.S. Department of State http://www.state.gov/www/global/terrorism/index.html 3) Fact Sheet: Terrorism from the Federal Emergency Management Agency http://www.fema.gov/library/terrorf.htm   Special Report: Oklahoma City by R. L. Arnold, Disaster Recovery Journal http://www.drj.com/special/ok.html Wednesday April 19, 1995 started like any other day for the residents of Oklahoma City. People were just beginning their daily routine when suddenly, the unimaginable happened. Related Websites: 2) Oklahoma Bombing Chronology from the Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/oklahoma/stories/chron.htm 3) Oklahoma City Tragedy from CNN http://www.cnn.com/US/OKC/   Websites for Parents (And Teachers) When Hate Hits Home: Talking to Your Kids About Terrorism http://www.tolerance.org/news/article_tol.jsp?id=272 In the wake of the terrorist attacks against the United States, Tolerance.org consulted leading national experts, Judith Myers-Smalls and Dr. Robin Goodman, to prepare this report. Related Website: 2) Attack on the U.S.: Guidelines for Parents by R. F. Goodman http://www.AboutOurKids.org/articles/crisis_parents.html 3) Helping Kids Cope in a Time of Crisis and Fear by K. Abel http://www.familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,20-25598,00.html 4) Helping Your Children Cope with the News of Reported Terrorist Attacks by L. Jana http://www.aol.drspock.com/article/0,1510,6150+++,00.html 5) Talking to Children About Violence by S. Marans from CNN http://www.cnn.com/2001/COMMUNITY/09/13/marans/index.html 6) Talking With Kids: About Terrorism by R. F. Goodman http://www.talkingwithkids.org/twk-news-terror-dom-tips.htm 7) Talking to Kids About Terrorism or Acts of War by R. F. Goodman http://www.AboutOurKids.org/articles/war.html   Helping Children Cope with A National Tragedy at the American Psychiatric Association http://www.psych.org/public_info/childrentragedy.cfm Here suggestions are provided to families for talking with their children about the recent terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C. Related Website: 2) Managing Traumatic Stress: Tips for Recovering From Disasters and Other Traumatic Events from the American Psychological Association http://helping.apa.org/daily/traumaticstress.html   Resources for Educators and Parents Regarding the Tragedy of September 11th from Education Planet http://www.educationplanet.com/learninglinks/27463 This links-page connects to a number of lesson plans and web resources that provide advice for teachers and parents on how to help and communicate with children regarding the tragic events of September 11th.   Websites for Teachers Attack on the U.S.: Guidelines for Teachers in the Classroom by R. Gallagher http://www.AboutOurKids.org/articles/crisis_teachers.html Depending upon their age, their personalities, and their family's experience, children are likely to be worried, scared, and concerned about their future, their family's future, and the future of our country. Here are some guidelines for dealing with the children during this time.   Beyond Blame: Reacting to the Terrorist Attack (Grades 6-12) at the Education Development Center http://www.edc.org/spotlight/schools/beyondblame.htm This curriculum features 3 lessons designed to sitmulate reflection, discussion, and writing: (1) What is Justice? What is the Injustice Here?, (2) Has the Past Been Just, and (3) How Can You Prevent Injustices?   Examining terrorism against the United States from CNN http://fyi.cnn.com/2001/fyi/lesson.plans/09/19/terrorism.history/ The September 11, 2001 attack on the United States is not the first time that Americans have been the target of terrorism. In this lesson, students examine the history of terrorism against the United States at home and abroad to produce a mini-history book.   Global Terrorism: Where is It Occurring and What's Being Done? by B.A. Bieda from the Social Studies School Service (Grades 6-12) http://socialstudies.com/c/@ubUvTGT768ub6/Pages/terrorism.html This unit plan engages students in a web activity using on line sources to explore the loci of global terrorism, and security measures for counterterrorism.   Helping Children Cope: Teacher Resources for Talking About Tragedy, Curriculum Article from Education World http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr369.shtml As the United States deals with the aftermath of the worst terrorist attack in its history, teachers will play a critical role in how children handle these events. This list of websites will help teachers discuss these tragedies with students. Related Website at Education World: 2) Attack on America: Explaining the Inexplicable to Your Students (Lesson Planning Article) http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson244.shtml   Killing For A Cause by K. Kohl and J. Kahn (Grades 6-12) from the New York Times http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/20010117wednesday.html In this lesson, students research various international terrorist attacks, looking for the motivation of the perpetrators. After reading and analyzing an article on the training of extremist Islamic fighters in Afghanistan, students then discuss terrorism and ways the international community might respond to discourage future terrorist acts.   Lesson Plans and Resources About Terrorism from KidsClick http://www.kidsclick.org/terrorismlessons.html This links-page connects to lesson plans and web resources for teaching about terrorism.   Nation United from AOL@School http://school.aol.com/teachers/focus3.adp This excellent site contains a large collection of articles, resources, and lessons related to the September 11th terrorist attacks.   Scholastic's America Unites http://teacher.scholastic.com/newszone/specialreports/under_attack/teacher.htm This excellent resource for parents and teachers provides lots of ideas and resources for dealing with the issue of terrorist attacks. It includes interviews, handouts, and links to current resources.   Talking About the Terrorist Attacks http://school.discovery.com/conversations/attacks1.html On this page you'll find ideas for talking to children about the terrorist attacks.    terrorism violence fear attack government terrorist terrorist group force innocent people mayhem intimidation premeditated threat political objective social objective coerce state terrorism individual terrorism biological terrorism chemical terrorism combat victim atrocity crime war psychological effect physical damage terrorist cell sabotage disaster recovery domestic terrorism perpetrator holy war enemy hate crime international terrorism Ku Klux Klan conspiracy opposition religion guerilla warfare retaliation sympathizer radical extremist freedom injustice justice        Created by Annette Lamb and Larry Johnson, 9/01.