Operation Barbarossa Lesson

Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/kurai-steppe-grassland-mountains-6690410/
Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/kurai-steppe-grassland-mountains-6690410/

Learning objectives

In this lesson, students will gain a chronological understanding of Operation Barbarossa in World War Two. They will develop an awareness of the key people groups, events, and concepts associated with this event. Students will have the opportunity to achieve this through choosing their own method of learning, from reading, source analysis, research, and watching options, as well as the chance to engage in extension activities. This lesson includes a self-marking quiz for students to demonstrate their learning.

How would you like to learn?

Option 1: Reading


Step 1: Download the reading questions worksheet below:

Step 2: Answer the questions while reading the webpage below:


Option 2: Using sources


Step 1: Download a copy of the source analysis worksheet below:

Step 2: Answer the set questions by using the following sources:

Imperial War Museum. (2021). What was Operation 'Barbarossa'?. Imperial War Museum. Retrieved from https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-was-operation-barbarossa   © IWM. (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Imperial War Museum. (2021). What was Operation 'Barbarossa'?. Imperial War Museum. Retrieved from https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-was-operation-barbarossa © IWM. (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Ray, M. (2016). 75th Anniversary of Operation Barbarossa. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/story/75th-anniversary-of-operation-barbarossa © Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Ray, M. (2016). 75th Anniversary of Operation Barbarossa. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/story/75th-anniversary-of-operation-barbarossa © Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Stalin, J. (November 1942). Telegram from Premier Stalin to Premier Churchill, T.1470/2, n.p.
Stalin, J. (November 1942). Telegram from Premier Stalin to Premier Churchill, T.1470/2, n.p.

Option 3: Internet research


Download a copy of the research worksheet and use the internet to complete all the tables.


Resources for subscribers



Extension activities