Second World War - Manhattan Project

This lesson examines the Manhattan Project, the top-secret World War II initiative to develop the atomic bomb. Students will explore the project’s key events, scientific breakthroughs, and the impact of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Activities include video analysis, timeline sorting, reading primary sources, and writing PEEKA paragraphs. The lesson concludes with a discussion on the ethical implications and the legacy of nuclear weapons.

Lesson Content and Activities:

Introduction:
Discuss the Manhattan Project and its significance in World War II.
Introduce today’s keywords: Atomic Bomb, Nuclear Fission, Los Alamos, Trinity Test, Robert Oppenheimer.

Video Analysis:
Watch a video on the Manhattan Project and its context within World War II.
Write a 50-word summary using the provided keywords.

Timeline Activity:
Sort timeline cards into the correct chronological order, covering key events like the establishment of Los Alamos Laboratory, the Trinity Test, and the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Scientific Discoveries:
Read about the discovery of nuclear fission and its importance to the Manhattan Project.
Discuss the roles of scientists like Enrico Fermi and Leo Szilard.

Government Funding:
Explain how massive financial support from the US government enabled the Manhattan Project’s success.
Discuss the construction of secret laboratories and the procurement of rare materials.

International Collaboration:
Explore the collaboration between scientists from the United States, Britain, and Canada.
Highlight the sharing of knowledge and expertise that was crucial for overcoming challenges.

German Refugees:
Discuss the contributions of German refugee scientists, including Albert Einstein and Edward Teller.
Explain how their expertise advanced the project.

Writing Task:
Write a PEEKA paragraph explaining how the USA beat Nazi Germany to develop an atomic bomb.
Use today’s keywords and the PEEKA planning sheet for guidance.

Peer Assessment:
Read through a partner’s essay and use the checklist to give feedback.
Write a specific comment on how they can improve their history skills and writing.

Class Discussion:
Share and discuss the PEEKA paragraphs.
Reflect on the ethical implications and the legacy of nuclear weapons.

Resources:
Video link on the Manhattan Project
Timeline cards
Reading materials on scientific discoveries, government funding, international collaboration, and German refugees
PEEKA paragraph guidelines and planning sheet