Atomic Bombing of Japan - Socratic Seminar (Was the U.S. justified?) WWII

Atomic Bombing of Japan - Socratic Seminar (Was the U.S. justified?) WWII - A 20+ page package related to the atomic bombing of Japan during World War Two (WWII). This package contains all of the necessary documents to facilitate a Socratic Seminar related to the atomic bombing of Japan. The discussion centers on the question: Was the United States justified in using the atomic bombs on Japan to end World War Two?

This is a fantastic activity and lesson to assist students in fostering deep, meaningful and engaging learning. Students will read a common text related to the events of the atomic bombing of Japan at the end of World War Two and the Socratic Seminar will assist students in understanding and analyzing the text. The lesson centers on cooperation, source analysis and meaningful discussion within a group.

This package includes six documents that will assist the teacher in running a successful, engaging and thoughtful Socratic Seminar. the package includes:
- 8 page Teacher Overview that explains, in detail, the step by step instructions of facilitating a successful Socratic Seminar. The overview includes my own personal notes from my experiences within my classroom.
- 4 page Student Handout with instructions for the Seminar and strategies for students to use when preparing.
- 6 page Common Text related to the atomic bombing of Japan during World War Two with numbered lines for ease of use in a Socratic Seminar. The reading is informative, engaging and approachable for student analysis.
- Rules of a Socratic Seminar 8X10 Poster for use when facilitating the Socratic Seminar
- Form for students to complete about the process of a Socratic seminar
- Rubric for student assessment

The included documents explain how to run a Socratic Seminar and how to set it up within your classroom for your students.

I have used this lesson several times in my classes and it fosters student discussion without the argumentation of a debate. It allows every student to speak and be heard in a respectful, cooperative manner which allows students to develop deep understandings of the topic. Students love the opportunity it allows them to offer their insights as well as hearing from the rest of the class!

A great tool for use when learning about the atomic bombing of Japan. Best used when the students have already learned about the major events of the atomic bombing of Japan and World War Two in general!