World War 2 | Atomic Bomb & Japan 6-E Lesson | Would you Drop It? Analysis WWII

Challenge your class to consider, ”Would you drop it?”, in reference to using the atomic bombs at the end of World War II. The activities are engaging for students & the guided, 6-E format is easy for you to use! Begin with a fun “Memory Game” warm-up & “Godzilla” analysis. An analysis activity lets students examine sources about the pros & cons of using the bomb. They use their evidence in a final analysis & writing activity. My classes are always intrigued with this lesson & gain a new understanding as to why their first response to hearing about problems around the world should not be “why don’t we just drop a bomb on them?” Everything you need is included!

Includes Editable, Microsoft Resources & PDF Versions:

• Guided 6-E PowerPoint Lesson
• Printable Fill-in Notes
• Reading Passage & Questions (3 levels) 
• Atomic Bomb Analysis Activity 
• Printable Posters - Set of 12
• Printable Rubric & Writing Prompt 
• Answer Keys
• Teacher Reference Guide

6-E Guided Lesson:

1. Engage: Memory Game - Japan Warm-up Activity
2. Explore: Background Info, Vocab, Video Clips & Fill-in Notes
3. Explain: End of WW2 Reading Passage & Questions
4. Elaborate: Atomic Bomb Walk-Around Activity
5. Evaluate: "Would you Drop it?" Analysis Activity
6. Extend: Writing Activity - “Do you believe using the atomic bomb was a necessary evil or terrible mistake?”

Vocabulary Covered:

• Pearl Harbor, atomic bomb, nuclear weapons, technology, World War II, Hiroshima & Nagasaki, hypocenter, VJ Day, nuclear proliferation, primary sources, secondary sources, President Truman, Manhattan Project, propaganda

Aligned with Social Studies Standards: CCSS, TEKS, ELPS, and NCSS

Time:  2 Days

Grades:  6-12