Lesson Plans & Resources

The Spy Museum provides FREE classroom lessons that support traditional curriculum. Ranging in subjects, lesson plans include primary documents and step-by-step instructions for implementing activities in your classroom.

LESSON PLANS

9/11: The Intelligence Angle

In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the International Spy Museum has created these lesson plans and activities to support student understanding of the role that intelligence played leading up to, during, and following the events of that day.

Minute by Minute: Cuban Missile Crisis

Enliven your teaching of the Cold War with a newly published case-based simulation in which students play the role of intelligence analysts at the CIA in 1962. By examining declassified intelligence documents and U-2 photographs at various stages of the Cuban Missile Crisis, students “live” the crisis rather than only read about it.

The Enemy Within

The Enemy Within: Terror in America—1776 to Today traveling exhibition offers teachers and students an unprecedented perspective on terror in American history. The companion Educator Guide to the exhibit provides educators with a tool to examine the history of terrorism in America and its past, present, and future implications.

Reflective Recon

Explore the law of reflection to determine the best light path to a secret safe.

Chemical Conundrum

Who sent a letter to HQ that contained an unknown substance inside? Find out by testing various powders to determine which has the same chemical properties as the unknown substance.

Great Submarine Salvage

Can students create a prototype of a device which can retrieve a sunken submarine from the bottom of the ocean?

Top Secret Telegraph

Your mission: build a device that will send and receive secret intel. from the field. But beware – you never know who might be trying to intercept your message!

RESOURCES

Spy Fiction Novel Notes

Want to write a spy fiction story but need help getting started? We’ve got you covered. This guide will take you through the “main ingredients” you need for your story plus the imaginative “bells and whistles.”

Recommended Reading List

Calling all recruits! Peek into the world of espionage with our favorite books. This curated list from the Spy Museum's book buyer and education team features quarantined-approved reads for the wanna-be spy!

KidSpy at the Movies

Already tired of snow queens and magical elves? Let top secret agents and super cool spy gadgets immerse you in the secret world of espionage.

Virtual Field Trips

FIELD TRIPS

You don’t have to leave your classroom or home in order to experience SPY’s unique and engaging workshops. Using interactive videoconferencing technology, SPY can connect with schools or groups across the world!