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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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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.
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What Would You Do?
Eleventh graders determine whether or not they would have dopped the atomic bomb. For this Truman presidency lesson, 11th graders research primary and secondary sources about the Manahattan Project and World War II. Students...
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Hiroshima, From All Sides
Young scholars 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. ...
Curated OER
Firestorms: The Bombing of Civilians in World War II
Learners examine the implication of civilian targets in war. In this World War II lesson, students investigate the history of bombing practices in war. Learners zero in on World War II bombing practices as they discuss precision and area...
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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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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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Enduring Themes in American History-Museum Assignment
Students 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 series of...
Smithsonian Institution
Cuban Missile Crisis
The United States—specifically John F. Kennedy—played a large role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A history resource poses questions that encourage critical thinking as well as in-depth analysis of images from the time period.
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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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Health Physics: The Effects of Radiation on Living Things
A mix of scientific details and background information about the well-known sites of radiation attacks or accidents. This topic may open up details that you may consider as sensitive, and could be upsetting to some pupils. This is a...
Curated OER
Good Time and Bad: Roaring 20's, Great Depression, and WWII quiz
Quiz your students on various topics related to the Roaring 20's, The Great Depression, and WWII. They'll ace any test after viewing this slide show. Tip: Turn this quiz into a game, see which side of the class is ready for the test.
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Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
In this Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes instructional activity, 5th graders read the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes and complete short answer questions about it. Students complete 9 questions total.
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Why do wars occur?
Understanding the causes of war is one way (possibly) to prevent it. World War II is used as a case study to facilitate an understanding of reasons why wars start. Topics covered included Totalitarianism, scarcity of resources, need for...
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What Was the Cold War About?
Young scholars explore a website to gather some first impressions of the Cold War era and its impact on Canadian society and politics. They, in groups, answer questions about the Cold War on a worksheet imbedded in this plan.
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Chicago Questionnaire
High schoolers critically investigate the issues surrounding the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan. They conclude if dropping the bombs was a correct decision or not and support their conclusions with documentation. Students tie in...
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Dancing in the Desert: The Genie
Fifth graders study nuclear destruction using visual literacy. In this nuclear destruction lesson, 5th graders work in groups to examine a group of pictures that show the destruction of a home by a nuclear blast. They discuss the type of...
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Attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Sixth graders hear a story about the atomic bombing of Japan and write an editorial about the event from the perspective of either a Japanese or an American.
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Fallout
Students view a short film about the results of dropping the atomic bomb at the end of World War II. They research controversies surrounding the use of the bomb and nuclear weapons. They write two editorials about the issue.
Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Splitting Atoms
In a simple activity, physical scientists model nuclear fission using a droplet of oil. This can be used alone in a unit on different types of energy, or as part of the energy conservation unit produced by the Texas State Energy...
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The Halifax Explosion: Who Was Responsible?
Students investigate who or what was most responsible for the tragedy of the Halifax Explosion.
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United States - Japanese Relations In Post World War II Era
Ninth graders explore the relationship between the United States and Japan. In groups, classmates research the treatment of Koreans and Americans as prisoners of war. Pupils examine the effect of politics and agreements during the war....
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GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES
Students engage in a video activity to research the effects of war upon the Japanese to live in the world after World War II. They answer specific questions in order to complete the unit.
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World War II
Learners examine the events of World War II that led to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan. Creating a decision making tree, they weigh the positives and negatives of the decision to use the bomb. They participate in a class...