Molloy College

Division of Education

Lesson Plan

Nicole Christenson Professor Wisnewski

EDU 329 April 24th, 2017
Grade 11 Japan During World War II History

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVE

After learning about the United States and Japan in World War II, students will use the
cooperative learning technique three step interview to discuss the the pros and cons of dropping
bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Students will then complete the Pros and Cons Worksheet
as an exit ticket accurately listing at least two pros and two cons.

NYS-CCLS / +NYS STANDARDS AND INDICATORS

New York State Social Studies Standard

Key Idea:
11.8: WORLD WAR II (1935 1945): The participation of the United States in World War II
was a transformative event for the nation and its role in the world.
Key Concept:
11.8a: Students will examine how technological advancements altered the nature of war and the
extent of its devastation, including the use of air power over civilian targets and President
Trumans decision to use the atomic bomb against the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki.
Indicator: This will be evident when students take part in the interactive Smart Notebook
PowerPoint, view pictures of the attacks, and watch the video on Pearl Harbor.
Common Core ELA Standard
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY SL.11-12.4
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct
perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing
perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are
appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.
Indicator: This will be evident when students take part in the cooperative learning activity, the
three step interview.

Molloy College, Division of Education, Rockville Centre, NY 11571

Revised 10/25/16
 INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES

Pearl Harbor video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnQ_6h3VtRo

Pros and Cons Worksheet
Smart Notebook Lesson
Photos of bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Photos of Pearl Harbor attack

MOTIVATION

Teacher will pass out photos of events before, during, and after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the
bombing of Hiroshima, and the bombing of Nagasaki. Teacher will ask students to write a short
paragraph stating what they believe is going on in these pictures.

DEVELOPMENTAL PROCEDURES

1. Students will recall prior knowledge of Japan and the United States during WWII (Can

you recall Japans role in World War II?)

2. Students will participate in an interactive PowerPoint on Japans actions during World

War II.

3. Students will learn about Japans actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor (What do you

think Japans motives were for the attack?)

4. Students will watch a video about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (Can anyone

summarize the events of this video?)

(Why do you think Japan chose to do this?)

(Can you predict the outcome of Japans actions?)

(What is your opinion of Japans actions?)

5. Students will participate in a cooperative learning technique, the three step interview.

Students will first get into groups with others who agree with their opinion. Then

Molloy College, Division of Education, Rockville Centre, NY 11571

Revised 10/25/16
 students will interview another classmate with an opposing view. Finally, students will

present their classmates opposing viewpoints to the class. (What is your opinion of

Hiroshima and Nagasaki?).

5. The class will reconvene and discuss their opinions (Can you propose any alternative

ideas for the United States instead of dropping the bombs on these cities?).

5. Students will complete the Pros and Cons Worksheet on the dropping of bombs in

Hiroshima and Nagasaki as an exit ticket.

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

Strategy: Cooperative Learning

Indicator: This will be evident when students participate in the three step interview by
getting into groups and discussing their opinions on the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
ADAPTATIONS

Use pictures or photographs to reinforce and review the vocabulary that has been taught.

Encourage the use of graphic organizers, provide partially completed charts, and tables if

necessary.

DIFFERENTIATION OF INSTRUCTION

Struggling Students
Students will use a brainstorming web in their notes as well as having an example of a pro and
con filled in on their worksheet in order to complete the exit ticket, Pros and Cons Worksheet,
about dropping the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki listing at least two pros and two cons.
Average Students
Students will complete the Pros and Cons Worksheet as an exit ticket about dropping the bombs
on Hiroshima and Nagasaki listing at least two pros and two cons.
Advanced Students

Molloy College, Division of Education, Rockville Centre, NY 11571

Revised 10/25/16
Students will explain the pros and cons in depth for dropping the bomb on Hiroshima and
Nagasaki completing the Pros and Cons Worksheet as an exit ticket listing at least two pros and
two cons.

ASSESSMENT

Students will complete the Pros and Cons Worksheet as an exit ticket being able to list at least

two pros and two cons of dropping the atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and

Nagasaki.

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE

Following the lesson on Japan and the United States during World War II, students will create a

short story pretending they witnessed the effects of the bomb first hand.

FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES: DIRECT TEACHER INTERVENTION AND

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

Direct Teacher Intervention

Teacher will offer extra help in order to focus on the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by
analyzing primary source documents from the time period.

Academic Enrichment
Students will research the characteristics of the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
using the website, http://www.atomicheritage.org/history/little-boy-and-fat-man

Molloy College, Division of Education, Rockville Centre, NY 11571

Revised 10/25/16
 REFERENCES

Inc., A. 3. (n.d.). Hiroshima: the first city destroyed by a nuclear weapon. Retrieved April 11,

2017, from http://www.nucleardarkness.org/hiroshima/

(n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2017, from http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/world-

war-ii-history/pictures/pearl-harbor

World War II - Attack on Pearl Harbor. Watch Full Documentary in Color. YouTube, 10 June

2015. Web. 11 Apr. 2017.

Molloy College, Division of Education, Rockville Centre, NY 11571

Revised 10/25/16
 RESOURCES

Molloy College, Division of Education, Rockville Centre, NY 11571

Revised 10/25/16
 RESOURCES

Molloy College, Division of Education, Rockville Centre, NY 11571

Revised 10/25/16
 Molloy College, Division of Education, Rockville Centre, NY 11571

Revised 10/25/16