Procedures

• SET UP:

  This lesson offers several options for you to use with your students whether you are teaching in class, using a hybrid model, or engaging through distance learning. It can be completed in steps as a class or students can move at their own pace and complete the activities independently.

  You can post links to the videos in the lesson along with the related handouts and engage in discussion to share responses on a discussion board or learning management system.

  You can also save and share the following Google resources for students to use with this lesson.

  HANDOUT: Vocabulary Chart (Google Doc)

  HANDOUT: Graphic Organizer (Google Doc)

  In Google, choose "File" then "Make a Copy" to get your own copy. You can make any needed adjustments in the instructions such as which activities students need to complete, when it is due, etc. and then make it available to them via Google.

• INTRODUCTION:

  Prior to beginning this lesson, students can review the vocabulary terms, look up the definitions of those words they are not familiar with, and note the definitions on the handout.

  Next, view the following video clip of Cynthia Kelly, founder and President of the Atomic Heritage Foundation, explaining what the Manhattan Project was and why it was started. Use the accompanying questions to guide class discussion.

  Video Clip 1: What Was the Manhattan Project? (3:04)

  • Explain what the Manhattan Project was and why it was started as Cynthia Kelly discussed.

  • Why did the United States get started slowly with the program?

  • How did Adolf Hitler's view of the Jewish people impact the development of this program for the United States during that time?

• EXPLORATION:

  Have students view the following collection of video clips. They can watch each video independently, view a video with a partner, or you can jigsaw them by assigning videos to students. Students should respond to the questions on the handout. After viewing the videos, use the accompanying questions to engage in class discussion.

  Video Clip 2: Why Was Julius Robert Oppenheimer Chosen? (1:58)

  Founder and President of the Atomic Heritage Foundation Cynthia Kelly explained why General Groves selected Julius Robert Oppenheimer to lead the Manhattan Project.

  • Explain why Oppenheimer "was a very unlikely choice" as Cynthia Kelly described.

  • Why did General Groves select Oppenheimer for his role in the program?

• Video Clip 3: Why Was Los Alamos Selected for the Manhattan Project? (2:52)

  Cynthia Kelly, founder and President of the Atomic Heritage Foundation, discussed why Los Alamos, New Mexico was chosen as the site during WW2 to coordinate elements for the first nuclear weapons.

  • Why was Los Alamos chosen as the site during WW2 to coordinate elements for the first nuclear weapons?

  • Explain the three methods General Groves authorized for enriching uranium. What were the end results?

• Video Clip 4: Julius Robert Oppenheimer on Scientific Advancements (2:02)

  1945 archival video of Julius Robert Oppenheimer is shown in which he offered his views on the advancements in science and the impact. Cynthia Kelly, founder and President of the Atomic Heritage Foundation, talked about the significance of science.

  • Explain Julius Robert Oppenheimer's views on the development of nuclear weapons and advancements in science.

  • How does Cynthia Kelly describe the "nature of science?"

• CONCLUSION:

  View the following video clip as a class and use the accompanying question to guide discussion.

  Video Clip 5: Nuclear Energy Usage (1:23)

  Cynthia Kelly, founder and President of the Atomic Heritage Foundation, talked about using nuclear power for reasons other than weapons.

  • Describe some of the additional uses for nuclear energy that Cynthia Kelly discussed.

• REFLECTION:

  Ask students to consider the information they learned from viewing the videos as well as class discussion and write a response to the following prompt:

  • Explain the significance of the Manhattan Project and the role Julius Robert Oppenheimer played.

• EXTENSION ACTIVITIES:

  • Research the various ways nuclear energy is being used today and create a presentation highlighting the pros and cons of its uses.

  • View one of the Oral History interviews in the Additional Resources section to hear from a primary source about their experience during that time and share what you learned in a presentation or create a poster that reflects key facts from the interview.