National WWII Museum
Evaluating the US Decision to Drop the Atomic Bombs
While the use of the atomic bomb was the definitive end of World War II, the terrible weapons left new questions. Young scholars use primary sources and analytical worksheets to consider the implications of the fateful decision. Then,...
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Atomic Bomb Debate
High schoolers research the decision to end World War II by dropping the atomic bomb. In this world history lesson, students explore information on the atomic bomb and the decision of the tactics to use it. They also watch a video and...
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Debating the Bomb
Students research the repercussions of the development of the atomic bomb. In this history activity, students read, reflect and discuss nuclear warfare and how it affected the population when it was introduced, as well as how it...
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Debating the Bomb
Students research how the development of the atomic bomb affected people in World War II, participate in a debate about the bomb's use, and investigate how it has affected people's lives since 1945.
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The Ethics of the Bomb: What Would You Do?
Students research the use of the atomic bomb in WWII, analyze the human costs of dropping the bomb and identify the pros and cons. They develop a PowerPoint presentation on the effects of an atomic bomb dropped on their hometown.
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The Atomic Bomb Dilemma
Students examine consequences of using atomic bomb in light of resulting peace, distinguish between fact and opinion and analyze sources to recognize bias and points of view, and assume role of reporter, critic, cabinet member, or...
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The Manhattan Project
Students discover the technological and scientific requirements for making the atomic bomb, the immediate effects of an atomic bomb, and the social and political changes that have resulted from the Manhattan Project.
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Debating the bomb
Students research how the development of the atomic bomb affected people in World War II. In this American History instructional activity, students participate in a debate about the bombs use. Students investigate how it has affected...
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World War II: Bombs and Peace
Students explore the final events and end of World War II. They examine the community impact of such events as the dropping of the dropping of atomic bombs, and President Roosevelt's death. Students prepare a presentation.
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World War II: The Pacific
Students explore the events in the pacific during World War II. In this World War II lesson, students use reference material to access information about significant locations in the War. Student debate the use of the atomic bomb to end...
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WWII and the Atomic Bomb
Students explore three decisions about the atomic bomb faced by the U.S. during WWII, take a position on each of the decisions, and defend their position. Should a bomb have been built, dropped, and was the right decision made?
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Social Studies: Bombing of Hiroshima
Students read a first person account of the bombing of Hiroshima written by a Japanese physician. By reading Michihiko Hachiya's journal, they discover the fatalities caused by the bomb itself and later by radiation poisoning. To...
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Firestorms: The Bombing of Civilians in World War II
Students examine the implication of civilian targets in war. In this World War II lesson plan, students investigate the history of bombing practices in war. Students zero in on World War II bombing practices as they discuss precision and...
A&E Television
The World Wars
Contemporaneously known as The Great War, World War I had never seen its match on the global stage—until World War II. An engaging set of resources designed to extend a viewing of the History Channel's The World Wars features discussion...
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Hiroshima, From All Sides
Learners comprehend how the Atomic Bomb affected humanity and ended WWII. They comprehend how the Atomic Bomb affected: scientists, Japanese citizens, and US leaders. Students receive a copy of Hiroshima, Readers Theater Rubiv. They...
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World War II
Students analyze primary sources (photographs) for evidence of American military technology during WWII. They debate the use of the Atomic Bomb. Students view the Rosenthal image. They discuss the image in detail.
American Institute of Physics
Women and the Manhattan Project
The Manhattan Project was a massive undertaking involving multiple sites and thousands of scientists and technicians. To gain an understanding of the women who participated in the project, groups select an oral history of a woman...
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Enduring Themes in American History-Museum Assignment
Young scholars study and research the life of Albert Einstein. They focus on the extent Albert Einstein catalyzed and criticized President Harry S. Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan during WWII. Students answer a...
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Atomic Age Critical Thinking
Students research and discuss issues surrounding the atomic bomb and the concerns it raised and the consequences of dropping the atomic bombs on Japan. A variety of sample questions are provided to engage discussion.
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Atomic Bomb-Truman Press Release-August 6, 1945
Students read a copy of Truman's press release regarding the atomic bomb. They answer a series of factual questions regarding the press release. They discuss the press release and then follow up with answering more in depth questions...
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Structured Academic Controversy (SAC) in the History Classroom
SAC is a specific approach to discussing history and controversial issues. Rather than adhering to an either/or debate-style paradigm, it fosters speaking and constructivist listening to enable learners to build consensus through...
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Questions of War and Peace: Using Case Studies to Teach the History of American Foreign Policy
Students read three case studies to focus on how the United States dealt with foreign policy issues. In groups, they read about the decision to drop the atomic bomb, the commitment of troops to Vietnam and wwhether to send troops to...
American Institute of Physics
African Americans and the Manhattan Project
A lesson plan about the Manhattan Project will explode young physicists' understanding of the racial attitudes in the United States during and after World war II. Groups select an African American scientist or technician that worked on...
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Studies of the Eastern Worlds: Japan
Seventh graders, in their study of Japan, examine and discuss the effect the atomic bomb had on Japan. They watch videos and then read the story of Sadako and her magic cranes. They make their own origami cranes and write a paragraph on...