Atomic Bomb Memorandum

published on: 2/28/2003

Contributing Teacher(s): Don Regan

Subject Area: Social Studies/U.S. History

Grade Range: Middle Grades (6-8)

Materials Needed: Information on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. There are many good resources available: textbooks, Internet, videos

Objective: The student will demonstrate his/her knowledge of the implications/effects of the U. S. bombing of Japan during World War II. The student will compose a persuasive memorandum.

Process Standards:

• Goal 1.8 organize data, information and ideas into useful forms (including charts, graphs, outlines)
• Goal 2.1 plan and make written, oral and visual presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences

Content Standards:

• Social Studies 2. Continuity and change in the history of Missouri, the United States and the world
• Communication Arts 4. Writing formally (such as reports, narratives, essays) and informally (such as outlines, notes)
• Communication Arts 6. Participating in formal and informal presentations and discussions of issues and ideas

  Time Allowance: One class period

  Description: The student will demonstrate his/her knowledge of the reasons for and implications of dropping the atomic bomb on Japan during World War II by writing a persuasive memorandum advising President Truman.

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  Classroom Component:

  Steps:

  • Instruction on the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
  • Assign memorandum—use prompt and outline below.

  Accommodations:

  Size:	The teacher may ask for only one reason for the student's recommendation.
  Time:	The teacher may allow as much time as needed to complete the memorandum.
  Difficulty:	The teacher may modify rules on form as needed.

  Prompt: You are an advisor to President Truman in 1945. He has asked you for your recommendation on whether or not to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. Prepare a memorandum to the President stating your position. Include at least two reasons for your recommendation and a complete explanation of each. Outline: Memorandum

  Date

  TO: __________________

  RE: __________________

  Body

  Signature

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  Scoring Guide

  2 pts	Student lists and discusses two reasons for his/her position.
  1 pt	Student lists and discusses only one reason for his/her position or lists two reasons but does not discuss each.
  0 pts	Other

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  For additional information contact :
  Don Regan
  Chillicothe Middle
  Chillicothe R-II
  (660) 646-1916
  EMAIL: dregan59@yahoo.com