Learning Activity

Aired, September 11, 2003

On the second anniversary of the September 11 attacks, CNN's Peter Viles takes a look at how the nation has changed. Explore the emotional impact of the attacks, and research the changes in security measures by local government officials.

An anniversary of a traumatic event can bring back feelings of sadness and anxiety. Many people still feel the emotional effects of the terrorist attacks and may struggle with an ongoing sense of fear about future attacks. The following activity is intended to help students address feelings they may be having as a result of the 9/11 anniversary and to provide an opportunity to discuss ongoing news coverage of terrorism.

TODAY'S SHOW September 11 Remembered : Activity and Discussion Questions • Today's Show Curriculum  • Transcript  • Questions: On Tape: Osama bin Laden  • Questions: September 11: A Nation Changed  • Activity: September 11: A Nation Changed  • Questions: Around the World

Refer students to the statistics about the anxiety levels of Americans "very worried" about terrorist attacks since September 11, 2001:

• October 2001 - 29%

• October 2002 - 20%

• August 2003 - 13%

Ask: What do these statistics tell us? Why do you think anxiety levels have decreased since October, 2001?

Point out to students that 13% of Americans reveal they are still "very worried" about terrorist attacks. Encourage students to discuss and analyze their own feelings of anxiety about terrorism. Ask: How do you feel about terrorism? Are you concerned about terrorist attacks? What do you think about efforts to make America a more secure place to live? Do you think there is anything you can do personally to help prevent terrorist attacks? Why or why not? If so, what do you think you can do? If not, what do you think is the best way to cope with situations over which you have no control? Has your life changed since 9/11? Explain.

Challenge students to learn more about terrorism and what is being done to prevent terrorist attacks in the U.S. After students share their findings in class discussion, ask students: What have authorities learned from the September 11 attacks? Do you think the incidence of domestic terrorism will increase or decrease in the years to come? Why or why not?

The more information students have about what is being done to protect them, the less anxious they may feel. Invite a local law enforcement or government official to address the class on this topic. Without having the speaker jeopardize security, ask him or her to explain what students could expect and how they would be informed if a local crisis were to occur. Conclude with a discussion of how local, state and federal officials work together in crisis situations.

Correlated Standards

VI. Power, Authority and Governance: Students will understand the historical development of structures of power, authority and governance and their evolving functions in contemporary U.S. society as well as other parts of the world.

[Government, Politics, Political Science, History, Law]

• Students will develop an understanding of how groups and nations attempt to resolve conflicts and seek to establish order and security.

• Students will become more effective problem-solvers and decision-makers when addressing the persistent issues and social problems encountered in public life.

Related Links

CNN.com: September 11 victims remembered (http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/09/10/observances.ap/index.html)

CNN.com Special Report: War Against Terror (http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/trade.center/)

Keywords

September 11, terrorism, patriotism, anxiety