Teaching Guide: “The Physicist’s War:" Dr. Herman Branson and the Scientific Training of African Americans during World War II

OCT 13, 2022

Students will learn about the mobilization of African American “war workers” at Historically Black Colleges and Universities during World War II. Students will then learn about and create electromagnets.

AIP History

thephysicist%27swar-picture.jpg — Herman Branson in laboratory with equipment. AIP Emilio Segre Visual Archives, gift of Dr. Herman Branson.

In this lesson plan, students will learn about the mobilization of African American “war workers” at Historically Black Colleges and Universities during World War II. They will learn more specifically about well-known African American physicist Herman Branson and read about his assessment of the role of African Americans and HBCUs in preparing technical personnel for World War II.
Grade level(s): 9-12
Guide subjects: Chemistry, History, Physics
Minority Group(s): African-American
In-class time: 120-180 minutes (two parts)
Prep time: 30-40 minutes
Technology Requirements: Student web access required, Audio/Video required
Common Core Standards: Speaking & Listening, History/Social Studies

Downloads

Teaching Guide: “The Physicist’s War:" Dr. Herman Branson and the Scientific Training of African Americans during World War II Lesson Plan (.pdf) Branson- “The Role of the Negro College” (.pdf) Branson-"The Training of Negroes” (.pdf) Crowther-"Physicists and the War” (.pdf) Woodson-"The Present Status of Physics” (.pdf) Teaching Guide: “The Physicist’s War:" Dr. Herman Branson and the Scientific Training of African Americans during World War II Discussion Questions (.pdf) Teaching Guide: “The Physicist’s War:" Dr. Herman Branson and the Scientific Training of African Americans during World War II Discussion Question Answer Key (.pdf) Teaching Guide: “The Physicist’s War:" Dr. Herman Branson and the Scientific Training of African Americans during World War II Original Documents ZIP Archive (.zip) Electromagnets Worksheet (.pdf) Manhattan Project Scientist Biographies (.pdf)