"U.S. Department of Homeland Security"

Introduction
Students have read the information in the text about the September 11th terrorist attacks and the government's War on Terrorism. In this activity students will learn about the Department of Homeland Security's role in fighting terrorism.

Lesson Description
Students will find information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Web site to learn why it was created and how it functions. Students will then answer four questions about its purpose and its organization. Students will then apply the information they have learned to discuss the divisions of the Office as well as current headlines regarding the department.

Instructional Objectives:

1. Students will learn why the Department of Homeland Security was created, what its functions are, and how it is organized.
2. Students will be able to use this knowledge to discuss the divisions of the organization and the current headlines regarding the department.

1. The three primary missions of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are: Prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.
2. The five major divisions of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are: Border and Transportation Security (BTS); Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR); Science and Technology (S & T); Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (IAIP); and Management.
3. President Bush noted that Tom Ridge had the "strength, experience, personal commitment and authority to accomplish this critical mission." Ridge served as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star for valor. He earned his law degree and was in private practice before becoming assistant district attorney in Erie County. Twice elected Governor of Pennsylvania, Ridge served from 1995 to 2001 before being named the head of Homeland Security.
4. The proper order of Threat Levels from the least dangerous to the most dangerous is as follows: a) Low Condition, Green, b) Guarded Condition, Blue, c) Elevated Condition, Yellow, d) High Condition, Orange, e) Severe Condition, Red.
5. Reports will vary depending on which division the student has chosen.