Virginia SOL USII.8.h
The Standard
describing how the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, including the heroic sacrifices of Flight 93 passengers, significantly impacted domestic policies, American society, and global perspectives on the war on terror
Virginia Standards of Learning for History and Social Science
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students connect the attacks to new federal agencies, airport security, surveillance laws, military action, and changes in public attitudes. They explain how Flight 93 passengers resisted the hijackers and helped prevent the plane from reaching its intended target. They compare support for the war on terror with concerns about war, civil liberties, and prejudice.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can sort effects into domestic policy, American society, and international response, then support each choice with a specific example. The student can explain a cause and effect chain from the attacks to a later policy or action.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may incorrectly say Iraq carried out the attacks. Al Qaeda planned them, and the war on terror was not a war against Muslims. Students may also think Flight 93 reached its intended target or that policy changes affected only airports.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Name one domestic policy change, one social effect, and one global response linked to the attacks, then explain Flight 93's significance.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Sort cards labeled TSA, Patriot Act, Afghanistan, global alliances, Flight 93, and harassment of Muslim Americans into impact groups, then defend two placements.
Write: Which response after September 11 most changed daily life, and what evidence supports your choice?
Play an impact matching game with twelve cause and consequence cards, then revise any pair that lacks a clear historical link.
Examine a current airport security checklist and identify which procedures grew from policy changes after the attacks.
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