Curated OER
Dancing in the Desert: The Genie
Fifth graders study nuclear destruction using visual literacy. In this nuclear destruction lesson plan, 5th graders work in groups to examine a group of pictures that show the destruction of a home by a nuclear blast. They discuss the...
Smithsonian Institution
Cuban Missile Crisis
The United States—specifically John F. Kennedy—played a large role during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A history resource poses questions that encourage critical thinking as well as in-depth analysis of images from the time period.
Curated OER
North Korea's Power Play
Young scholars research a number of websites to see how North Korea's leaders have shaped the country. They investigate Korea's ancient history and culture.
Curated OER
US Government: Foreign Policy (Part 1)
Students explore foreign policy. In this foreign policy lesson plan, students define terms regarding foreign policy. Students respond to questions regarding textbook readings and a lecture regarding U.S. foreign policy.
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Understanding the Koreas
Though this resource was designed in 2005, US tension with North Korea remains a relevant topic for exploration and understanding. Unfortunately, this lecture and reading-based instructional activity is unlikely to engage the class. The...
Curated OER
John F. Kennedy
In this online interactive history learning exercise, students respond to 11 short answer and essay questions about the achievements of John F. Kennedy. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive learning exercise.
Curated OER
Breaking News English: 60th Anniversary of Hiroshima Bombing
In this English worksheet, students read " 60th Anniversary of Hiroshima Bombing," and then respond to 47 fill in the blank, 7 short answer, 20 matching, and 8 true or false questions about the selection.
Other
Outrider: Nuclear History: World War Ii
A timeline with primary source documents and photos of the invention and use of the atomic bomb during World War II. Links to additional information and videos are also provided.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Controlling Nuclear Weapons
For this lesson, learners examine the impact of weapons of mass destruction, e.g., the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in World War II. They look at nuclear proliferation and treaties, and debate the pros and cons of nuclear weapons.
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: The Decision to Use the Atomic Bomb
In-depth analysis of the decision to create and drop the atomic bomb on Japan during World War II. Includes details on the Interim Committee.
ibiblio
Ibiblio: Statement on the Atomic Bomb by Secretary of War Stimson
Statement made on August 6, 1945, by the former Secretary of War, Stimson. Discusses the details of the production of the atomic bombs used to end World War II. Introduces the members of the Interim Committee as well. Site by Ibiblio.org.
Google Cultural Institute
Google Cultural Institute: Hiroshima
Pictorial essay showcases the story of the atomic bombing and recovery of Hiroshima during World War II.
Other
Mr. Dowling's Passport: Harry Truman's Decision
Read about Harry Truman and his decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan which ultimately ended World War II.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: Online Exhibition: The Manhattan Project
[Free Registration/Login Required] Documents by Manhattan Project scientists expressing their concern about nuclear weapons after the bombings in Japan.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University: The Manhattan Project
A comprehensive overview of the Manhattan Project, a research and development project initiated by President Roosevelt to produce nuclear weapons in World War II.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer
J. Robert Oppenheimer is credited with the creation of the atomic bomb. But, "The country asked him to do something and he did it brilliantly, and they repaid him for the tremendous job he did by breaking him." This documentary traces...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: J. Robert Oppenheimer
Credited with the creation of the atomic bomb, Robert Oppenheimer opposed the development of the hydrogen bomb. Read about Oppenheimer's education and involvement in the atomic explosions, which "changed the world forever."
Other
Nfa: A Fight to the Finish; u.s. And Japan
These scripts (the first of two drafts) describe the events in World War II in the Pacific Theater.
Other
World Nuclear Association: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Subsequent Weapons Testing
This article has information about the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Additional information about the measures that have been taken about atomic warfare and testing since the bombings included.
Other
Nuclearfiles.org: Chronology on Decision to Bomb
This detailed chronology of the events and communication of 1945-1946 shows Truman's role in the process of the decision to drop the world's first atomic bomb used in warfare upon Hiroshima and then the second upon Nagasaki. Also...
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory: The Graphite Reactor
This resource describes the world's first nuclear reactor and the role which it played in the Manhattan Project. Also discussed are topics such as the goal of plutonium development for nuclear weapons, the goals of the top-secret,...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Manhattan Project and the Atomic Bomb
Discusses the Manhattan Project of the United States which worked on developing nuclear weapons during World War II. It led to the two atomic bombs that were dropped on Japan in August 1945, ending the war with Japan.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: America's History in the Making: Postwar Tension and Triumph
Comprehensive teaching unit on tensions of the Cold War era: conflicts between domestic prosperity and unfulfilled expectations, ideals of conformity and individualism. Contains video and text materials, web interactives, student...
PBS
Pbs: J. Robert Oppenheimer 1904 1967
This site from PBS provides biographical information about J. Robert Oppenheimer, and his involvement with the atomic bomb.