Lesson+14+-+The+Atomic+Bombing+of+Hiroshima

__Objectives:__ Students will
 * __Day 13: The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima __**
 * list the reasons for dropping atomic bombs on Japan
 * describe the initial effects of the bomb on the people of Japan and its long term effects

1) Do Now -Before and after pictures of Hiroshima will be posted on the walls. Students will do a gallery walk of the pictures, writing what they see, making comments, and asking questions. -The essential question "Is it ever appropriate to use atomic weapons?" is on the board. -Using the images you have looked at during the gallery walk, answer the question on the board. We will revisit it at the end of class.

2) Big Paper activity -Students will read five primary sources from multiple perspectives, each posted on the walls and spread throughout the classroom. -You have five options of responding to the quotes: 1) write what you see, 2) write a judgement/opinion of what you see, 3) ask questions, 4) answer questions, and 5) draw a picture. Once you have finished looking at your primary source, look at what other groups have discussed on their source.

3) Discussion -In new groups, discuss the following questions. Then, elect a presenter who will speak out on the group's behalf to share the group's views during the class discussion. **Each group must be prepared to share!**
 * Do our world leaders have too much power being able to control nuclear weapons at the touch of a button?
 * Is the threat of nuclear warfare adequately sufficient to deter the world's most evil tyrants?
 * Is every nation entitled to explore a nuclear weapons program?
 * Is it evere appropriate to use atomic weapons?

Homework: -Write a letter to President Truman either to try and convince him not to drop the second bomb on Nagasaki or to convince him to drop the bomb on Nagasaki. Explain your position by using the sources from the Big Paper activity, which you can find here:

[|Source #1 - Official Bombing Order.docx] [|Source #2 - Diary of Harry S. Truman.docx] [|Source #3 - Szilard Petition to Truman.docx] [|Source #4 - Diary entry of Eben Ayers.docx] [|Source #5 - The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb - Henry Stimson.docx]