Lesson was updated in October 2025.

Subject(s)

History, social studies, civics

Estimated time

One to two class periods

Grade level

9-12

Objectives

Students will:

• Understand the history, mission and basic operation of the United Nations.
• Understand how the U.N. was a product of the 20th century, built to address international issues of that time.
• Understand the function of the six bodies of the U.N. and their main functions.
• Understand some of the major accomplishments of the U.N. over the past 60 years.

Overview

This activity is designed to be conducted in one class period. Students learn a broad overview of the history, structure, and accomplishments of the United Nations. Students develop brief presentations in a group activity following a set of discussion questions.

Procedure

Part One - Background on the United Nations (one class period)

1. Have students read the handout Background on the U.N. prior to beginning the activity.
2. During the class, divide students into three groups and pass out the Discussion Questions handout relevant to each group.
3. Have students discuss questions in their section and construct a brief presentation for the entire class.
4. Have students present their findings to the class.

Extension activities

1. Have students read about the UN80 Initiative prior to beginning the activity. "In March 2025, the Secretary-General launched the UN80 Initiative to transform how the UN works - identifying efficiencies, reviewing how mandates are implemented, and examining potential structural changes and programme realignment within the United Nations system," according to the U.N.'s website.
2. Have students conduct a debate on a topic of interest, including the merits of the veto power, broadening the number of Security Council members or whether the U.S. should continue to participate in the U.N.
3. As a class activity, have students work in four groups to examine the three different proposals on restructuring the Security Council. Have students generate visual aids to explain these changes and provide explanations on the merits of these proposals. Have the fourth group develop questions or challenges from the article to ask the presenters.

Additional resources

• The United Nations report: In Larger Freedom
• Wikipedia: History of the United Nations
• United Nations: Cyberschoolbus

by Greg Timmons, The Constitution Project, Portland, Ore.

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