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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/vietnam-war/5ws
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
The 5 Ws are a great way for students to organize information about a historical event, as it asks them to identify the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and sometimes How. It can be used for a specific event, or a broader range of time period. In this activity, students will create a spider map that answers the 5Ws and H for the Vietnam War. Students can answer the following questions through descriptions and illustrations:
- WHO was involved in the Vietnam War?
- WHAT was the Vietnam War?
- WHEN did the Vietnam War happen?
- WHERE did the Vietnam War happen?
- WHY did the Vietnam War start?
- HOW did the Vietnam War end?
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Create a 5Ws and H spider map describing the Vietnam War.< /p>
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- For each cell, answer the question with a 1-3 sentence description.
- Create an illustration that represents each answer using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Answers to 6 5Ws&H questions in 1-3 sentences as well as appropriate illustrations for each.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
5Ws & H Rubric
Create a spider map or chart that highlights 5Ws & H about the topic: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description is detailed and accurately answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; clearly demonstrating student's thorough understanding. | The description is somewhat detailed and mostly answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; demonstrating student's basic understanding. | The description is incomplete and does not answer the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the topic. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
Lesson Plan Overview
The 5 Ws are a great way for students to organize information about a historical event, as it asks them to identify the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and sometimes How. It can be used for a specific event, or a broader range of time period. In this activity, students will create a spider map that answers the 5Ws and H for the Vietnam War. Students can answer the following questions through descriptions and illustrations:
- WHO was involved in the Vietnam War?
- WHAT was the Vietnam War?
- WHEN did the Vietnam War happen?
- WHERE did the Vietnam War happen?
- WHY did the Vietnam War start?
- HOW did the Vietnam War end?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Create a 5Ws and H spider map describing the Vietnam War.< /p>
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- For each cell, answer the question with a 1-3 sentence description.
- Create an illustration that represents each answer using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements: Answers to 6 5Ws&H questions in 1-3 sentences as well as appropriate illustrations for each.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
5Ws & H Rubric
Create a spider map or chart that highlights 5Ws & H about the topic: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Needs Improvement 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | The description is detailed and accurately answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; clearly demonstrating student's thorough understanding. | The description is somewhat detailed and mostly answers the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How; demonstrating student's basic understanding. | The description is incomplete and does not answer the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are appropriate to the topic. Time and care is taken to ensure that the scenes are neat, eye-catching, and creative. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are mostly accurate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. Scene constructions are neat, and meet basic expectations. | The art chosen to depict the illustrations such as scenes, characters and items, are too limited or incomplete. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. There are few or no grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Ideas are mostly organized. There are some grammatical, mechanical, or spelling errors. | Storyboard text is difficult to understand. |
How Tos about The 5Ws of the Vietnam War
1
How to Adapt the 5Ws Activity for Younger Students (Grades 2–8)
Break down complex topics into age-appropriate questions by simplifying the language and focusing on the main ideas, so all students can confidently participate.
2
Use Visual Supports to Reinforce Understanding
Incorporate graphic organizers, pictures, and simple icons to help students visualize each 'W' and support comprehension of historical events.
3
Model Each 'W' with a Class Example
Demonstrate answering one 'W' together as a class before independent work, showing how to use short, clear sentences and matching illustrations.
4
Encourage Collaborative Brainstorming
Facilitate small group or partner discussions to help students generate ideas and clarify their thinking before writing or drawing their answers.
5
Provide Sentence Starters and Word Banks
Support students who need extra help by giving them sentence starters and key vocabulary to make the writing process less intimidating.
Frequently Asked Questions about The 5Ws of the Vietnam War
What are the 5Ws and H of the Vietnam War?
The 5Ws and H of the Vietnam War are: Who was involved, What the war was, When it happened, Where it took place, Why it started, and How it ended. This framework helps students organize key facts about the conflict.
How can I teach the Vietnam War using the 5Ws method?
To teach the Vietnam War with the 5Ws method, have students answer who, what, when, where, why, and how questions about the war, using short descriptions and illustrative visuals. This approach builds understanding through structured inquiry.
What is a 5Ws spider map activity for history class?
A 5Ws spider map is a graphic organizer where students answer the 5Ws and H about a historical event, like the Vietnam War, in separate sections with brief explanations and matching illustrations.
Why is using the 5Ws important for teaching historical events?
Using the 5Ws helps students break down complex historical events into manageable parts, encouraging critical thinking and making it easier to understand and remember essential details.
What are some tips for creating effective 5Ws and H activities for high school students?
Keep questions clear, encourage concise answers, include creative elements like drawings, and adapt the activity to fit different events or topics for engagement and deeper learning.
More Storyboard That Activities
Vietnam War
Image Attributions
- 5228066 • clarencealford • License Free for Most Commercial Use / No Attribution Required / See https://pixabay.com/service/license/ for what is not allowed
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/vietnam-war/5ws
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
