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The Tools of War: Everything That Fought, Won, and Lost World War I & II

A STEM-oriented military history course that explains how engineering, technology, science, strategy, and tactics came together to create the weapons designed to win World War I and World War II
Nelson Dean, M.Ed.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(304)
Class
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What's included

1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6
Each week we will select and examine a technology that cut its teeth in the two most destructive and technologically creative wars of the twentieth century in a course that combines military history with science, engineering, principles of industrial design, and even human psychology.  We will begin by looking at how a technology was originally conceived, developed, and used, before following up by looking at how the opposing side responded to its use and looking at its overall impact on the wars. As a part of this process we will not only look at the science behind these technologies, but the way they affected real people through images and primary sources. Once a month, we will have "Fools of War Day" where we will specifically look at all the ideas that accidentally exploded, backfired, and otherwise failed spectacularly. 

Each session covers a standalone topic, chosen by the instructor from more than 100 lessons, with more still being added so students can take for more than two years without coming across repeats! 

October 2024:
- week of 9/30-10/6: World War II Super Tanks
- week of 10/7-10/13: Maxim guns
- week of 10/14-10/20: Hurricane fighters
- week of 10/21-10/27: Enigma cryptography
- week of 10/28-11/3: U.S. Carriers (early WWII)

November 2024:
- week of 11/4-11/10: Gustav Rail Guns
- week of 11/11-11/17: how tanks get built, pt 1
- week of 11/18-11/24: how tanks get built, pt 2
- week of 11/25-12/1: U.S. Carriers (late WWII)

One last note: for the safety of all of our students, and to ensure that I can work with each student effectively, I do require students have their cameras turned on and be visible at all times. Students who cannot comply will be moved to the waiting room.
Learning Goals
Students will develop an understanding of how nations develop requirements for military equipment based on their military needs.
Students will examine principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering behind the design of military equipment.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
While the structure of the course is academic in nature and the instructor intends to avoid graphic depictions of violence, there will be times that the course involves the discussion of violent behaviors in a historical context.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.9
304reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from University of Georgia
Bachelor's Degree in History from University of Georgia
For the last decade, I have taught a variety of Advanced Placement classes in a brick-and-mortar high school from AP World History, AP European History, AP Art History, and AP English Language so I have many years of experience teaching this material to a diverse array of students. I am also an essay reader and clinician in AP European History for the College Board. I am thrilled to be on this platform to share my passion for the humanities with new students!

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Live Group Class
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$21

weekly
1x per week
50 min

Completed by 600 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
4-10 learners per class

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