Lesson Title: Honoring Service: Veterans Day & Remembrance Day Lesson Plan for Students

🌺 Remembering the past, shaping the future. 🌺

Every November 11th, communities in both the United States and Canada pause to honor those who have served in the armed forces. Whether it’s called Veterans Day in the U.S. or Remembrance Day in Canada, the date is a shared moment to reflect on sacrifice, courage, and the responsibility of remembering those who dedicated themselves to protecting peace and freedom.

For students, November 11th offers an opportunity to look beyond textbooks and connect with the real people behind the history. Why do these days exist, and how have they evolved from their shared beginnings as Armistice Day? What symbols, stories, and traditions help us remember?

This lesson invites your students to explore the origins and meaning of November 11th in both countries, engage with veteran and peacekeeper stories, and reflect on the values of service and sacrifice. Through discussion, creative activities, and an interactive Goosechase scavenger hunt, they’ll connect history with their own lives and discover meaningful ways to honor those who served—whether in their local communities or in the broader story of Canada and the United States.

Grade: 7 - 12

Subject: History, Social Studies, Civics, Language Arts

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
  • Explain the historical origins and significance of Veterans Day or Remembrance Day.
  • Recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans.
  • Analyze primary sources, stories, or media to better understand veterans’ perspectives.
  • Express personal reflections and gratitude through writing, discussion, or creative projects.

Materials:

• Mobile devices (tablets, phones, or laptops) with the Goosechase app installed
• Whiteboard, chalkboard, or projector
• Copies of veteran interviews, articles, or historical documents
• Pens, paper, or digital devices for reflection activities

Preparation:

• Create an Experience on the Goosechase app with a series of Missions focussed on Veteran’s Day or Remembrance Day.
• Develop Missions that require students to demonstrate their understanding of what they have learned. Example Missions:
  • Veterans Day/Remembrance Day Origins: Submit a text response explaining why Nov. 11 was chosen as Veterans Day/Remembrance Day.
  • Symbol of Service: Find and snap a picture of a poppy, flag, or another symbol of remembrance.
  • Thank You in Action: Record a short video message of gratitude to veterans.
  • Community Connection: Take a picture of a local memorial, plaque, or place that honors veterans.
  • Veteran Voices: Share a quote or excerpt from a veteran’s story you researched.
  • Creative Tribute: Upload a photo of an original drawing, poem, or short reflection honoring veterans.

Find Example Missions in the Goosechase Template below

• Adapt the difficulty of the Missions based on the proficiency levels of your students to keep the activity inclusive and engaging for everyone.
• Prepare hints or resources that might help students solve the Missions if needed.
• Divide students into teams and assign each team a mobile device with the app, or have students complete the scavenger hunt individually.
• Run your Experience during one class period or longer.
• App Set-Up 
  • Dedicate time to ensuring all students have the Goosechase app downloaded and joined to the Experience to avoid any tech issues.

Lesson Outline for Veterans Day and Remembrance Day

• Introduction
  • Begin with a short discussion: “What does the word ‘veteran’ mean to you?”
  • Share a short video clip or reading on the origins of Veterans Day and Remembrance Day.

• Exploration
  • Break into small groups to review veteran stories, primary sources, or news articles.
    • Groups discuss: What do these stories tell us about sacrifice, duty, and community?
• Discussion 
  • Classwide reflection: Why is it important to honor veterans?
  • Students brainstorm ways communities currently recognize veterans and how they could do more.
• Goosechase Scavenger Hunt
  • Read through Missions with students, emphasizing the importance of fire safety.
  • Monitor progress and provide assistance as necessary.
  • If working in teams, encourage them to strategize and collaborate to solve the Missions.
  • Sit back and enjoy watching your students collaborate and demonstrate their learning.
• Debrief and Reflection
  • Review the activity, discussing which missions were the most challenging or fun.
  • Discussion Prompts: 
    • What did you learn about veterans today that you didn’t know before?
    • How do veterans’ sacrifices impact your life today, even if you don’t know a veteran personally?
    • How can communities show appreciation for veterans beyond just one day a year?
  • Discuss how teams collaborated and solved problems together.
  • Optionally, award prizes to the team(s) with the highest score

Optional Post-Experience Activities:

• Thank you Letters
  • Students write a thank-you letter to a veteran.
• Research Project
  • Students research a war or peacekeeping mission and summarize how veterans contributed.
• Visual Poster
  • Students create a class poster or digital collage honoring veterans
• Group Presentations
  • In groups, students will create a presentation on how Veterans Day/Remembrance Day is commemorated around the world.

Assessment

• Teachers can assess student achievement through:
  • Teacher observation during discussion and drill practice.
  • Student participation and accuracy in Goosechase missions.
  • Participation in group discussions and Goosechase missions.
  • Written reflections (thank-you letters, research summaries).
  • Presentations, posters, or digital projects.

Ready Made Experience

Voices of Veterans

Discover the history, sacrifices, and stories behind Veterans Day or Remembrance Day through interactive challenges.

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