Ground Zero

Use this activity to engage all types of learners while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Research Presentation: 9/11 First Responders”

In this activity, students will research how different first response services supported the victims of 9/11 and share their findings with the class.

A “first responder” is an individual who is trained to assist people in an emergency. In the novel, Gratz references different first responder teams that supported people as they tried to leave the World Trade Center. Working in small groups, select one of the following teams of first responders and research their responsibilities in supporting victims of 9/11.

First Responder Groups:

• Port Authority Police Department
• New York Fire Department
• New York Police Department
• Paramedics
• Search-and-rescue dogs and handlers
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• New York National Guard

Use the following questions to guide your research:

• Which team are you focusing on?
• What was this team’s purpose in supporting victims of 9/11?
• How does Gratz include this first responder team in the novel?
• What happened to these teams? How did they sacrifice their lives for others?
• Were they honored for their service? If so, how?

Share your findings with the class in a presentation. Be sure to include photographs, videos, and audio recordings, if relevant.