U.S. History Cold War Simulation

This Simulation will have students talking about the Cold War for the rest of the semester. My students love this simulation! It is complex and detailed to the point that students get an authentic, hands-on experience as to what it was like to make some of the tough decisions as govt. leaders during the Cold War, yet it is simple enough to explain and execute with no high tech computer software required and very minimal prep work involved (only word docs). Students get to collaborate in groups as they represent different country during the Cold War. Each group will consist of a Chief Decision Maker, an Ambassador, an Economic Advisor and a Military Advisor (so all group members are involved). Over the course of four days, students will be faced with different scenarios from the Cold War and will attempt to reach their country’s customized objectives in order to score points. Students will have to collaborate within their own group as well as with other groups to accomplish these objectives. Students will also have to consider things such as trading natural resources and investing in their military/economy in order to develop their country for subsequent turns of the simulation. Included in this 19 page package is everything needed to complete the simulation; a user manual, a terminology page, chart templates, an assessment reflection sheet and all four scenarios. Scenario 1 is (Alliances NATO/Warsaw Pact), Scenario 2 is (Expansion vs. Containment), Scenario 3 (Collective Action Asian Influenza), Scenario 4 (Nuclear Proliferation). Duration of simulation is 5 days 55min. classes (1 day for explanation and 4 days for 4 scenarios). You will not be displeased with the engagement nor the higher-level of learning that takes place during this simulation.