Lesson 15

Lesson: Atomic Bomb Debate / Project Presentations

Objective: Students will be able to verbalize and defend their position on whether or not
the U.S. was justified in dropping the atomic bombs on Japan. They will be able to
rationally address opposing viewpoints as part of their arguments.
Common Core Standards:
10.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources,
attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.
10.9 Compare and contrast findings presented in a text to those from other sources
(including their own experiments), noting when the findings support or contradict
previous explanations or accounts.
Materials: Tablets, any research done previously, WWII projects
Directions: Have students divide into two groups: the pro-atomic bomb side on one side of
the room, and the anti-atomic bomb side on the other. Explain to students that they are
allowed to use any notes or research they have for the debate. Students must be respectful
of others and their opinions at all times, and must have the floor in order to speak, just like
in their last debate.
Proceed with the debate point-counterpoint style, allowing each student to participate.
Have a student from each side volunteer to give an opening statement to get things started.
Be careful not to let one or two students dominate the debate too much, though this is often
the way any given class tends to lean. Anytime a student who hasnt spoken yet raises his
or her hand, make sure that student is called on.
The debate should last about 20-30 minutes, depending on the class. At the end, find out if
anyone would want to change sides after hearing both sides in the debate. Sometimes it
makes for an interesting dynamic at the end. Compliment students on their arguments and
participation, and have them go back to their seats.
With whatever time is left, students present their WWII projects to the class. They were
allowed to create any type of presentation they wanted, whether PowerPoint, comic, song,
poster, or anything else. You wont have time to have all students present today, so
whoever doesnt go today goes tomorrow. Have students turn in their two-page papers on
the class website.