Overview
Use this powerful lesson plan to help students authentically understand the ethical challenges faced by non-Jewish citizens of Europe during the period of the Holocaust who were asked to risk much to save the lives of others.
Subjects
Social studies, the Holocaust
Estimated time
One 45-minute class plus homework time to work on the essay
Grade level
6-12
Materials
- Case study: Heidi’s dilemma
- Heidi’s dilemma group tasks
- Heidi’s dilemma individual writing assignment and rubric
Warm up activity
Pass out “Case study: Heidi’s dilemma” to students and either have students read it to themselves or aloud to the class.
Have students individually answer the three questions on page two on a separate piece of paper in complete sentences.
Main activities
Put students into groups (of at least three) and pass out “Heidi’s dilemma group tasks.” Give students 20 minutes to answer the questions on the second page titled “Case study data sheet” and then prepare a summary of your answers to present to the class.
Each group should present their findings to the class.
With the remaining class time pass out “Heidi’s dilemma individual writing assignment and rubric” and allow students to begin working on it or assign it for homework. The assignment will be graded according to the rubric on the back of the assignment.
By Tina Yalen, NBCT, Early Adolescence: Social Studies/History
This lesson was updated June 4, 2026.
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