TOPIC: World War II/The Atomic Bombs

Strategy Used: Debate

Reading Level: 8th Grade
3/8/19
Spring 2019
8th Grade World History
Using Debate to determine if the US was justified when dropping the Atomic Bombs
Learning Intention: Explain the impact and implications of dropping the Atomic Bombs on Japan
at the end of World War II.
Success Criteria: I can describe and explain the short and long term implications of the United
States dropping the Atomic Bombs on Japan.
Rationale: This Unit is about World War II so it is important to understand the implications of
actions by both the Axis and the Allied powers throughout the war including the dropping of the
Atomic Bombs. It is also important to teach students how to analyze evidence and argue based
upon factual evidence in order to draw individual conclusions.
Materials: Various readings, worksheet, whiteboard and markers
Differentiation: I will provide larger print worksheets to those who need it.
Activities:
Instructor:
 First I will have three students pass out the various materials to the class.
 Then I will explain how the debate is going to work.
 Then I will split the students up into groups of four.
 Once they are in groups of four I will then split them into two teams. I will also assign
them one side of the debate.
 After they have been assigned which side of the debate they are on I will give them ten
minutes to work with their partner to read the material and fill out their side of the
worksheet.
 After that they have ten minutes to debate against each other in their groups.
 After they have debated against each other we will debate as a class.
 After debating as a class I will give them time to write down their own opinion regarding
the justification of dropping the Atomic Bombs. Then we will vote as a class to see where
the entire class stands on the issue.
Students:
 Read the material and prepare for their side of the debate.
  Participate in the class debate and fill out their worksheet.
WICOR: Writing, Inquiry, Organization, Collaboration and Reading are all present in this lesson
Evaluation/Assessment: The lesson will be successful if the students participate in the activity
and the class is able to have a worthwhile discussion about the topic.
Closing Activity: Give the students time to clean up and put the desks back in rows.