NEW: WW1 360 Trench Experience

Use this captivating 360° video to explore key areas of the trench environment as they follow the narration and instructions of their commanding officer. This immersive video is condensed from our full explorable scene experience: [WW1 Life in the Trenches](track#980761). # Age Range The primary target age range for this experience is ages 9-11; however, the video is easily adaptable for the 11-14 age group. # Learning Objectives 1: Experience daily life on the front line, using visual evidence to gain insights into a soldier's daily routine and trench conditions.{.info} 2: Explore the diverse groups in the frontline trenches and their contributions to the war effort.{.info} 3: Develop an understanding and appreciation of the psychological effects of warfare on soldiers.{.info} We recommend using this 360° video as a starter activity before entering the full WW1 explorable scene (and using the scene’s Teacher Notes to support further lesson planning). Adapt the discussion to suit the age range and prior knowledge of the class. Younger or less experienced students may benefit from some background knowledge and specific key dates (see full scene *Teacher Notes*). It may also be beneficial to address the emotional content of the video beforehand and check in with students to ensure they feel comfortable engaging with the material. # Before the Experience Before watching the video, invite students to imagine what it might have been like to live and fight in the trenches of World War I. Begin with a short discussion about what they already know about trench warfare – how the trenches were built, why they were used and what daily life might have been like for the soldiers. Encourage them to think about the sights, sounds, and emotions they might experience in such an environment. ## Key Questions What do they already know about how trenches were built and why they were used in WW1?{.task} **Example answers:** Trenches were cramped and made of materials like mud, wood and wire. Soldiers would have made use of any materials they had available.{.info} What do they already know about the daily life of a soldier in the trenches?{.task} **Example answers:** Soldiers would have spent time fighting, eating and resting, and activities, such as writing letters.{.info} What do they know about the roles of different people in the trenches?{.task} **Example answers:** There were people who fought and others who were messengers, medics or officers who gave orders and organized troops.{.info} Ask students to watch the video. If preferred, begin by having them close their eyes and listen to the audio from the video first before watching it, so they can make predictions about the video’s contents. Ask students to create a collective "Trench Life Chart" on the board, listing out the details of what they already know about life for soldiers during WW1. These approaches will help students engage their senses and build empathy for the soldiers’ experiences before visually exploring the explorable scene. # Extended Learning While we recommend that this video be used in conjunction with the Teacher Notes in the WW1: Life in the Trenches scene, it can also be used as a standalone resource, particularly if time is limited or the learning focus is slightly different. Here is an example of how the video could be used in conjunction with some 3D model artifacts: **WW1 Artifacts 3D Models** After watching the video, students can look deeper into the various artifacts used during World War I with the AR cube. Holding the objects will allow them to take a closer look at soldiers' personal items, weapons and communication tools. After examining the 3D models, students could research how these items were used and why they were important to create a short presentation comparing the WW1 artifact with a modern-day equivalent, highlighting how technology has changed over time. Follow this link to discover more 3D models [WW1 3D Models Playlist](playlist#1035018534){.insight}