Forrest Gump's America

Alex Bryant

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Forrest Gump's America

Students will be able to identify and explain at least five significant historical events depicted in Forrest Gump and analyze how Forrest Gump's personal story intertwines with these historical moments.

Understanding history through popular culture helps students connect with the past in a relevant and memorable way, fostering critical thinking about historical narratives and their representation.

Audience

9th Grade

Time

90 minutes

Approach

Watching film clips, completing a guided worksheet, and participating in a class discussion.

Materials

Forrest Gump's America Slide Deck, Forrest Gump Historical Sightings Worksheet, Projector and screen, Whiteboard or chart paper, and Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials and Clips

30 minutes

Review the Forrest Gump's America Slide Deck and ensure the projector is working.
- Print copies of the Forrest Gump Historical Sightings Worksheet for each student.
- Pre-select key scenes from Forrest Gump that clearly depict historical events. (Approx. 45-50 minutes of total film time, spread across the lesson). Consider scenes like: Elvis Presley, Segregation/University of Alabama, Vietnam War, Hippie Movement, Ping Pong Diplomacy, Watergate, Apple Inc., etc.
- Ensure access to the film Forrest Gump (streaming service, DVD, etc.).

Step 1

Warm-Up: What is History?

10 minutes

Begin with a quick discussion: What is history? How do we learn about it? (5 minutes)
- Introduce the idea of learning history through film, specifically Forrest Gump. (5 minutes)
- Show the first few slides of the Forrest Gump's America Slide Deck to set the stage.

Step 2

Film Viewing and Worksheet Introduction

5 minutes

Distribute the Forrest Gump Historical Sightings Worksheet.
- Explain to students that they will be watching selected clips from Forrest Gump and completing the worksheet as they watch. Emphasize paying attention to the historical context and events shown in the film.

Step 3

Guided Film Viewing (Part 1)

25 minutes

Play the first set of pre-selected clips from Forrest Gump. (e.g., Early life, Elvis, University of Alabama, Vietnam).
- Pause occasionally to allow students to record their observations on the Forrest Gump Historical Sightings Worksheet and discuss briefly if a major event occurs.

Step 4

Small Group Discussion & Share Out

15 minutes

Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
- Ask groups to share what historical events they identified and how Forrest Gump interacted with them. (10 minutes)
- Bring the class back together and have a few groups share their findings. (5 minutes)

Step 5

Guided Film Viewing (Part 2)

25 minutes

Play the second set of pre-selected clips from Forrest Gump. (e.g., Hippie Movement, Ping Pong Diplomacy, Watergate, Apple Inc.).
- Continue to pause as needed for worksheet completion and quick checks for understanding.

Step 6

Wrap-Up & Reflection

10 minutes

Lead a whole-class discussion using the remaining prompts from the Forrest Gump Historical Sightings Worksheet. (7 minutes)
- Ask students: How does a fictional character like Forrest Gump help us understand real history? What are the benefits and potential drawbacks of learning history this way? (3 minutes)
- Conclude with a summary of the lesson's main points, reinforcing the connection between individual stories and broader historical narratives.

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Slide Deck

Welcome to Forrest Gump's America!

How can one man's life tell the story of a nation?

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic: exploring American history through the lens of a fictional character. Ask them what they already know or think about Forrest Gump.

Our Historical Mission

Identify key historical events in Forrest Gump.
Analyze how Forrest's journey intertwines with America's story.
Discuss the role of film in understanding history.

Explain the objective: identifying historical events and seeing how Forrest's story connects. Introduce the worksheet they'll be using.

Your Historical Sightings Guide

Keep your eyes peeled for history happening!

Introduce the worksheet and explain that they will be actively looking for historical events and figures as we watch the clips.

Clip Reel 1: Early Adventures

What historical moments catch your eye?

Play the first set of clips here (e.g., Elvis, University of Alabama, Vietnam). Pause as needed for students to fill out their worksheets.

Discuss & Discover

Share your first historical sightings with your group!

Facilitate a brief small group discussion, then bring the class together for a quick share-out before moving to the next set of clips.

Clip Reel 2: Later Eras

More history unfolds!

Play the second set of clips here (e.g., Ping Pong Diplomacy, Watergate, Apple). Continue to encourage active worksheet completion.

Forrest and Fact: A Reflection

How accurately does Forrest Gump portray history?
What did you learn about these historical events?
How does personal story intersect with national history?

Lead the final discussion, prompting students to think critically about the film's portrayal of history and its impact.

History: More Than Just Dates!

History is made up of countless individual stories, shaping and being shaped by larger events.

Summarize the key takeaways and thank students for their engagement.

Worksheet

Forrest Gump Historical Sightings Worksheet

Name: ____________________________

Instructions: As you watch the clips from Forrest Gump, pay close attention to the historical events, figures, and cultural shifts shown in the film. Record your observations in the spaces below.

Part 1: Early Life and Vietnam Era

Event/Figure: Elvis Presley
- What is shown?
- How does Forrest interact with this?
- Why is this event/figure significant in American history?
Event/Figure: Segregation/University of Alabama (George Wallace's Stand in the Schoolhouse Door)
- What is shown?
- How does Forrest interact with this?
- Why is this event/figure significant in American history?
Event/Figure: Vietnam War
- What is shown?
- How does Forrest interact with this?
- Why is this event/figure significant in American history?
Event/Figure: Anti-War/Hippie Movement
- What is shown?
- How does Forrest interact with this?
- Why is this event/figure significant in American history?

Part 2: Later Decades

Event/Figure: Ping Pong Diplomacy
- What is shown?
- How does Forrest interact with this?
- Why is this event/figure significant in American history?
Event/Figure: Watergate Scandal
- What is shown?
- How does Forrest interact with this?
- Why is this event/figure significant in American history?
Event/Figure: Early days of Apple Inc. (or similar entrepreneurial tech boom)
- What is shown?
- How does Forrest interact with this?
- Why is this event/figure significant in American history?

Part 3: Reflection

Choose one historical event from the film. How do you think Forrest Gump's fictional involvement either enhances or distorts our understanding of this real event? Explain your reasoning.
What are the benefits of learning about history through a movie like Forrest Gump? What are the potential drawbacks or things we should be careful about when using films as historical sources?