Overview:

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki changed the course of history and have had a significant long term effects on the victims. Students will get the opportunity to watch testimonials from the Testimonies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Women Speak Out for Peace, and be able to engage in a dialogue and reflect on the effects of nuclear weapons. The purpose of this session is to create a dialogue among the students in order to help them gain a better understanding of the role of Nuclear Weapons and the long term effects. This activity will allow students to gain a better perspective on issues faced by survivors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Objectives:

Students will be able to:
  • Define the role of Nuclear Weapons in the global sphere
  • Discuss the effects of Nuclear Weapons in Nagasaki and Hiroshima
  • Describe the role that gender plays among the survivors
  • Draw parallels between the experiences of the women in Hiroshima and the women in Nagasaki
  • Delineate what actions are being taken internationally in order to elimination of Nuclear Weapons
  • Discuss how they can get involved

Time:

45 minutes

Materials:

Common Core Standards:

CCSS ELA-LITERACY 9-10.6: Compare the point of view of two or more authors (moderators in the film) for how they treat the same or similar topics, including which details they include and emphasize in their respective accounts.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

AFS Educational Goals:

Global Realm
To develop an increased curiosity and concern about world affairs, to develop a sustained commitment to obtaining information from many sources and seek out perspectives from other cultures in understanding world situations and problems

Activity:

  • Watch segment from the Testimonies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Women Speak out for Peace
  • Form in groups and discuss the analyze differences/similarities in the survivors testimonials
  • Discuss why this is an important topic today
  • Write a reflective essay on the testimonials and what the international community can do in order to make sure such events do not take place again
  • Create a Prezi presentations on their findings