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Curated OER
The Dropping of the Atomic Bomb at Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Take an in-depth look at the historical events in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in this 69-slide PowerPoint. Photos, facts, and transcripts are outlined in this presentation in order to answer the stated essential question in slide 2: "What...
Curated OER
Dropping the Atomic Bomb: The Decision That Defined a Presidency
Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary and secondary resources. In this World War II lesson, students research the implications of the use of nuclear weapons to end the war in the Pacific. Students determine...
American Institute of Physics
African Americans and the Manhattan Project
A instructional activity 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...
DocsTeach
Letter to Truman about the Manhattan Project
Delve into the past to understand the opposition to the Manhattan Project. An interesting activity is designed to be completed in pairs, groups, or individually. Scholars analyze historical documents, complete an online worksheet, and...
Curated OER
Debating the bomb
High schoolers research how the development of the atomic bomb affected people in World War II. In this American History lesson, students participate in a debate about the bombs use. High schoolers investigate how it has...
Curated OER
Events and Effects of World War I
Ninth graders explore the main events, key people, outcomes and lasting effects of World War I. They research the lasting effects of World War I on the 20th Century and discuss the Treaty of Versailles and its effects on Germany.
Stanford University
Nagasaki
After mere minutes, the atomic bomb in warfare changed the world forever. Pupils use their knowledge of primary sources to complete a written assessment. The assessment requires learners to identify the event and to explain in...
Curated OER
Why Is North Korea Going At It Alone?
Students examine the division of North and South Korea. They identify the ideological differences and the tensions between the two countries. They discuss the threat of nuclear weapons as well.
Curated OER
Connection to Social Studies: Linus Pauling: A Life Well Spent
In this atomic energy worksheet, students read about Linus Pauling, who spent years making the public aware of the dangers of nuclear weapons. They answer questions about his work and the social responsibility he took on which led to the...
Curated OER
Debating the Bomb
Students research the repercussions of the development of the atomic bomb. In this history lesson plan, students read, reflect and discuss nuclear warfare and how it affected the population when it was introduced, as well as how it...
Curated OER
J. Robert Oppenheimer
In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about the accomplishments of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
Curated OER
North Korea and Nuclear Weapons
Students deliberate on the merits and tradeoffs of North Korea and Nuclear Weapons.
Curated OER
Dropping the Atomic Bomb The Decision That Defined a Presidency.
Students examine historical evidence regarding the atomic bomb. In this Truman presidency lesson, students research images and documents about the use of the bomb in Japan. Students write position papers that identify their stance on the...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Document-Based Essay on U.S. Reaction to North Korean Nuclear Policy
Students compose essays on nuclear policies. In this North Korea lesson, students examine political cartoons and primary documents regarding nuclear build-up by North Korea. Students write essays about North Korea's military goals and...
Curated OER
The Cold War (1945–1963)
In this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 8 short answer and essay questions about the Cold War. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
Social Studies School Service
“Duck and Cover” (Civil Defense)
Bert the Turtle models for viewers the 1950s Civil Defense Duck and Cover strategy that was supposed to protect citizens from a nuclear blast. After viewing the video, watchers are asked to consider the motivations of the producers of...
Curated OER
What Was the Cold War About?
Learners 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.
Annenberg Foundation
Postwar Tension and Triumph
Go get the American Dream lifestyle! The 19th lesson in a 22-part series exploring American history shows learners the post-WWII economic boom. Using primary sources, photographs, and cartoons, groups discuss their findings and present...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
What Was the Cold War?
A study of the Cold War can helps students learn about history through interviewing people who lived through this period.
Curated OER
The Manhattan Project
High schoolers 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.
Curated OER
Explosive Knowledge
Students examine China's suspected theft of American nuclear secrets, as a springboard for the creation of a research-based, multi-tiered timeline that traces the development, regulation, and use of nuclear weapons from the 1940's to today.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Putting a Face on Our Fears
In this current events worksheet, students analyze a political cartoon about the nuclear war threat and respond to 3 talking point questions.
Curated OER
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...
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.
Curated OER
North Korea's Power Play
Pupils research a number of websites to see how North Korea's leaders have shaped the country. They investigate Korea's ancient history and culture.
Curated OER
US Government: Foreign Policy (Part 1)
Students explore foreign policy. For this foreign policy lesson, students define terms regarding foreign policy. Students respond to questions regarding textbook readings and a lecture regarding U.S. foreign policy.
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Understanding the Koreas
Though this resource was designed in 2005, US tension with North Korea remains a relevant topic for exploration and understanding. Unfortunately, this lecture and reading-based lesson is unlikely to engage the class. The end product is a...
Curated OER
John F. Kennedy
In this online interactive history activity, students respond to 11 short answer and essay questions about the achievements of John F. Kennedy. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive activity.
Curated OER
Breaking News English: 60th Anniversary of Hiroshima Bombing
In this English instructional activity, learners read " 60th Anniversary of Hiroshima Bombing," and then respond to 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.
Other
Outrider: Nuclear History: World War Ii
A timeline with primary source documents and photos of the invention and use of the atomic bomb during World War II. Links to additional information and videos are also provided.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Controlling Nuclear Weapons
For this lesson plan, students examine the impact of weapons of mass destruction, e.g., the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in World War II. They look at nuclear proliferation and treaties, and debate the pros and cons of nuclear weapons.
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb
In-depth analysis of the decision to create and drop the atomic bomb on Japan during World War II. Includes details on the Interim Committee.
ibiblio
Ibiblio: Statement on the Atomic Bomb by Secretary of War Stimson
Statement made on August 6, 1945, by the former Secretary of War, Stimson. Discusses the details of the production of the atomic bombs used to end World War II. Introduces the members of the Interim Committee as well. Site by Ibiblio.org.
Google Cultural Institute
Google Cultural Institute: Hiroshima
Pictorial essay showcases the story of the atomic bombing and recovery of Hiroshima during World War II.
Other
Mr. Dowling's Passport: Harry Truman's Decision
Read about Harry Truman and his decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan which ultimately ended World War II.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: Online Exhibition: The Manhattan Project
[Free Registration/Login Required] Documents by Manhattan Project scientists expressing their concern about nuclear weapons after the bombings in Japan.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University: The Manhattan Project
A comprehensive overview of the Manhattan Project, a research and development project initiated by President Roosevelt to produce nuclear weapons in World War II.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer
J. Robert Oppenheimer is credited with the creation of the atomic bomb. But, "The country asked him to do something and he did it brilliantly, and they repaid him for the tremendous job he did by breaking him." This documentary traces...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: J. Robert Oppenheimer
Credited with the creation of the atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer opposed the development of the hydrogen bomb. Read about Oppenheimer's education and involvement in the atomic explosions, which "changed the world forever."
Other
Nfa: A Fight to the Finish; u.s. And Japan
These scripts (the first of two drafts) describe the events in World War II in the Pacific Theater.
Other
World Nuclear Association: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Subsequent Weapons Testing
This article has information about the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Additional information about the measures that have been taken about atomic warfare and testing since the bombings included.
Other
Nuclearfiles.org: Chronology on Decision to Bomb
This detailed chronology of the events and communication of 1945-1946 shows Truman's role in the process of the decision to drop the world's first atomic bomb used in warfare upon Hiroshima and then the second upon Nagasaki. Also...
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory: The Graphite Reactor
This resource describes the world's first nuclear reactor and the role which it played in the Manhattan Project. Also discussed are topics such as the goal of plutonium development for nuclear weapons, the goals of the top-secret,...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Manhattan Project and the Atomic Bomb
Discusses the Manhattan Project of the United States which worked on developing nuclear weapons during World War II. It led to the two atomic bombs that were dropped on Japan in August 1945, ending the war with Japan.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: America's History in the Making: Postwar Tension and Triumph
Comprehensive teaching unit on tensions of the Cold War era: conflicts between domestic prosperity and unfulfilled expectations, ideals of conformity and individualism. Contains video and text materials, web interactives, student...
PBS
Pbs: J. Robert Oppenheimer 1904 1967
This site from PBS provides biographical information about J. Robert Oppenheimer, and his involvement with the atomic bomb.
Yale University
Summary of Damages and Injuries
Outlines the devastation the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
Other
Atom Central: Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
Find out about the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile program, a post-World War II, U.S. military defense system.
Other
Dannen.com: Atomic Bomb Decision
This site has information about the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The information is detailed and in depth. Contains many links to related sites.
Other
Atom Central: The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Read this detailed account of the decision and action to drop two atomic bombs on Japan after the attacks on Pearl Harbor.
Other
Nagasaki University: Medical Effects of the Atomic Bomb at Nagasaki
This resource provides data about the physical destruction of Nagasaki, the medical aspect, and survivor stories.
Other
Atomic Bomb: Decision
An indexing page which links to several pages of letters, diary excerpts, public reports, and personal correspondence relating to the use of the first atomic bomb. Includes letters and petitions drafted by scientists involved with the...
Other
Nuclearfiles.org: Oppenheimer Affair
This site from Nuclearfiles.org allows you to read about Robert J. Oppenheimer's role in the Manhattan Project, as head of the Atomic Energy Commission and then his dismissal as a "security threat" to the U.S. government during the era...
Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in Washington (State): B Reactor
The B-Reactor at Hanford Site, Washington, was the first large scale plutonium production reactor ever built. The project was commissioned under the Manhattan Project, during World War II, to develop the first nuclear weapons.