aidemia--modules-lessonplan_request	Titles of parts of the lesson must be formatted as headings
What to create	Lesson plan
Which subject	History
What topic	Political Challenges in Modern World: The United Nations
What length (min)	50
What age group	Year or Grade 9
Include homework
Include images descriptions
Any other preferences	DOK 3

Lesson Plan: Political Challenges in the Modern World: The United Nations

Grade Level: 9

Duration: 50 Minutes

Subject: History

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the role of the United Nations (UN) in addressing global political challenges.
2. Evaluate specific case studies where the UN has intervened or has shown effectiveness/ineffectiveness.
3. Discuss the limitations and criticisms of the UN in the context of modern political issues.

Materials Needed

• Projector and screen for presentations
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handouts with case study summaries
• Access to internet-enabled devices for research
• Videos highlighting key UN interventions

Lesson Outline

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Hook: Begin with a brief video presentation outlining the objectives of the United Nations and its significance in international politics.
2. Discussion Prompt: Ask students to discuss what they know about the UN and its role. Record their ideas on the whiteboard.

Direct Instruction (15 minutes)

1. Overview of the United Nations:

   • Discuss the founding of the UN, its primary objectives, and its structure (e.g., General Assembly, Security Council).
   • Highlight the UN’s role in promoting peace, human rights, and development.

2. Political Challenges:

   • Introduce the main political challenges that the UN faces today, such as:
     • Conflicts and wars (e.g., Syrian Civil War)
     • Global crises (e.g., climate change, refugee crises)
     • Logistical and funding challenges
     • Issues of sovereignty vs. international intervention

Group Activity (15 minutes)

1. Case Studies: Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific case study related to UN interventions. Examples include:

   • The UN’s response to the Rwandan Genocide
   • The role of the UN in the Korean War
   • Peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
   • Addressing climate change through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

2. Research and Discussion:

   • Each group will have 10 minutes to research their case study using handouts, textbooks, and devices.
   • Groups should focus on the effectiveness of the UN's actions, criticisms faced, and lessons learned.

Group Presentations (5 minutes)

• Each group will present their findings to the class. Allow each group 1 minute to share their case study and conclusions regarding the UN’s role.

Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes)

1. Class Discussion: Facilitate a discussion where students can reflect on the following questions:

   • What are the strengths of the UN?
   • What are its weaknesses or limitations?
   • How do you think the UN can adapt to better address modern political challenges?

2. Exit Ticket: As a quick formative assessment, ask students to write one thing they learned today and one question they still have about the UN.

Assessment

• Group presentations will be assessed based on clarity, understanding of the topic, and engagement.
• Participation in discussions and completion of the exit ticket will provide insight into students' grasp of the subject matter.

Extensions

• Assign additional reading on the UN's role in a contemporary issue for homework.
• Encourage students to follow current events related to the UN for a class discussion in the next lesson.

Reflection

• After the lesson, consider what went well and what could be improved for future lessons, based on student engagement and understanding. Keep notes for reference in planning subsequent lessons on global political issues.

This lesson provides an opportunity for students to critically engage with the complexities of international politics and the role of a key global institution—the United Nations.