FIELD TRIPS

​The Role of Submarines in WWII

Teaching Goal:

• Help students understand how submarines changed naval warfare.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the purpose of submarine warfare in the Pacific.

• Describe life aboard a WWII submarine.

• Analyze a key submarine victory (e.g., USS Cavalla sinking the Shōkaku).

Taffy 3: Courage Against Impossible Odds

Teaching Goal:

• Teach leadership, tactics, and heroism through the Battle off Samar.

Learning Objectives:

• Summarize how Taffy 3 held off a far larger Japanese force.

• Evaluate the importance of quick decision-making in battle.

• Identify key ships and commanders involved.

Naval Technology: Innovations of WWII

 Teaching Goal:

• Explore how WWII spurred advances in radar, sonar, and ship design.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify technologies developed during WWII.

• Explain how radar/sonar altered naval combat.

• Compare WWII ships to modern vessels.

​The Role of Destroyer Escorts in WWII

Teaching Goal:

• Highlight the importance of smaller warships in convoy protection and anti-submarine warfare.

Learning Objectives:

• Compare destroyer escorts to battleships/carriers.

• Explain how sonar and depth charges were used.

• Discuss crew roles and challenges aboard the USS Stewart.

Women of WWII

Teaching Goal:

• Highlight women’s contributions to the Navy and war industry.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about roles & groups like WAVES, ROSIES, S.P.A.R.S. , nurses, factory workers and more.

• Compare pre-war and postwar opportunities for women.

• Recognize key figures with our Women of WWII Exhibit.

Pearl Harbor: Turning Point of the Pacific War

Teaching Goal:

• Show how the attack reshaped U.S. naval strategy.

Learning Objectives:

• List key events of December 7, 1941.

• Explain why battleships declined and carriers rose in importance.

• Link Pearl Harbor to later U.S. submarine/escort operations.