In Mrs. DelToro’s 7th-grade Kansas History classroom, Royal Valley Middle School students used a unique pop culture artifact to study the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
Our students analyzed The Amazing Spider-Man #36—written in late 2001—as a primary source alongside resources from the official 9/11 Memorial & Museum website. By examining how creators processed grief, unity, and heroism in real time, our 7th graders explored how art and pop culture help future generations connect with historical events.
During this lesson, our students focused on key learning goals:
Understanding Time and Perspective: Students explored how creating the comic in December 2001 reflected the immediate shock, grief, and patriotism of the nation.
Comparing Past and Present: Students looked at early depictions of Ground Zero and first responders to see how remembrance has changed over 25 years.
Connecting Storytelling to Real Life: Students discussed how fictional characters working together mirrored the real-world unity following the attacks.
Writing Personal Reflections: Students reflected on why art, music, and comic books help younger generations feel the emotional impact of history.
Through thoughtful lessons like this, our middle schoolers continue to build strong civic engagement and historical awareness.
