This year marks the 21st anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. As we reflect on the world-wide cultural and political changes this set in motion, including the nation’s 2021 withdrawal fromthelongest war in our country’s history in Afghanistan, how do we speak with our children about topics like peace, patriotism, tolerance, human rights, and responding to trauma as they relate to 2001 and today?
Families and educators can continue below for primary source materials and resources to help contextualize the events of 9/11 and its impact using audio recordings, videos, photos, lesson plans and more. Complement these resources with programming in the Mountain Lake PBS Watch & Wonder block to give further insight into, and in remembrance of, September 11th.
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Learn About the Impact of September 11th: Then & Now
America Responds | Classroom Resources
All Grades
It’s been over 20 years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Explore virtual learning-ready classroom resources that engage students in learning more about related issues, such as peace, tolerance, and patriotism.
Helping Kids Navigate Scary News Stories
Grades PreK-5
As we reflect on 9/11, remind your kids to always “look for the helpers.” Having responsive, reassuring conversations is one way parents can help kids navigate what they read and hear about unsettling news stories.
September 11th | Teaching with Primary Sources
Grades 6-12
This inquiry kit features Library of Congress sources examining the impact of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States including interactive multimedia timelines, audio recordings, photos, and more.
Since 9/11, What Do Your Students Know about How the U.S. Has Changed? | PBS NewsHour
Grades 6-12
Many changes have occurred in U.S. domestic and foreign policy since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Air travel regulations tightened when Congress federalized airport security with the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, creating the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). More than 260 government agencies were created or reorganized, the Patriot Act and 48 bills were signed into law, many of them related to counterterorrism work, and the U.S. entered the longest war in our country’s history in Afghanistan. This video resource includes topical support materials for teachers and students, including discussion questions and extension activities.
Daily News Lesson: America’s Longest War is Over
Grades 6-12
The final flight of American troops left Afghanistan just before midnight Tuesday, August 31, 2021 in Kabul, after 20 years of war. The U.S. airlifted more than 120,000 American civilians and Afghan allies from Kabul, but thousands of Afghans who wanted to leave were left behind, at least for now. Using this lesson from PBS NewsHour Classroom, students can read the summary, watch the video, and answer discussion questions about these recent events. Educators can expand the lesson with the Gallup article, “American Public Opinion and the Afghanistan Situation,” to give greater context.
Facing Muslim Stereotypes After September 11 | Finding Your Roots
Grades 9-12
This segment from the PBS series Finding Your Roots provides a look at Muslim stereotypes and anti-Muslim sentiments following the terrorist attacks of September 11. Sheik Yasir Qadhi reflects on his personal experiences with anti-Muslim feelings and the injustice of stereotypes.
Special Programming
Tune into the Mountain Lake PBS Watch & Wonder block for special programming in remembrance of September 11th.
Monday, September 12
1 PM: Generation 9/11
A feature-length documentary, “Generation 9/11” is an intimate film driven by the stories and personalities of its protagonists, who were born in the wake of a global tragedy which, for them, was also deeply personal. But it is also the story of an entire generation that has been shaped by the attacks and their aftermath.
- Program page
- PBS LearningMedia: How Did the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks Affect American Society?