Introducing the Minidoka Educational Resources

Introducing the Minidoka Educational Resources

By Kurt Ikeda, Director of Interpretation and Education

“I never learned about this in school…” After almost every ranger-guided tour, a visitor will offer this reflection to our staff. Our new Minidoka Education Resources is our response. Through short films and full-length lesson plans, educators can bring the important story of the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans to their classrooms.

Across four short documentaries, Friends of Minidoka and North Shore Productions provide a deep dive into various aspects of lessons and legacy of Minidoka. Teachers will be able to navigate 6th-12th grade students through topics include: the loyalty questionnaire with “Patriotism and Protest”, the use of euphemisms in “Power of Words”, the importance of allyship through “Power of the Press”, and the parallels of this history in “Standing up for Others.” 

The topics in these films and lessons apply broadly to the experience of Japanese Americans at other camps as well. The lesson plans utilize primary sources as learning tools and are National and State standards based. Other resources include teacher and student versions of key terms, historical timelines, and printable worksheets. The lessons range from full one-hour lessons to short ten minute activities, so we encourage educators to adapt them to meet the needs of their students and classes.

Throughout the year, we will highlight each of the lessons and resources. For those looking to access these free educational resources and short documentaries, visit Education — BETRAYED (betrayedfilm.com). Educators are also encouraged to sign up using their email address for future educational opportunities. 

Educational Resources by Friends of Minidoka and North Shore Productions

https://www.betrayedfilm.com/education