Students will trace the steps from the discovery of atomic fission to the creation of atomic weapons.
As texts, they will engage the August 6, 1945 New York Times coverage of the Hiroshima detonation, and Life magazine photos from Hiroshima, supported by three videos explaining atomic fission and short on-line readings about the challenges of creating and controlling chain reactions. All materials are available on the internet.
The skills section of this module was designed directly from the subject specific grade-level Common Core State Standards for Reading and writing
One of the videos used is “A is for Atom,” a 1952 period piece that is likely to draw some fun student comments. The science is sound, though presented in a light way. The references to “men of science” is especially remarkable when discussing work that owes so much to Marie Curie and Lise Meitner.
This module is designed to be completed in nine classroom hours or eleven fifty-minute periods.
It was created with Renee Boss, Michelle Buroker, and Amy Klein Wesselman in the Summer 2013 Science Design Jam and is shared with special thanks to the Kentucky Education Association for the use of their Lexington facilities.
