Bombs in Our Backyard Mini-Webquest

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AUTHOR: Vallarie Larson

 

HISTORICAL TOPIC/ERA:  Cold War in Nevada

 

GRADE LEVEL(S): Grades 7-8

 

TIME REQUIRED: The time required for this mini-webquest is 1-2 45-60 minute class periods.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: 

During the Cold War the need for strong defense led to Nevada’s controversial act of nuclear testing during the nuclear arms race.  President Truman signed the order which began the Nevada Test Site.  Important research in above-ground testing went on at the test site.   At that time in history, Nevadans believed they had nothing to fear from testing.  The Government did not inform the public of the effects of radiation on the health of people in Nevada.  Testing continued in Nevada until 1992, however, test sites are still ready to continue given notice from the Government to begin testing again. 

 

NEVADA STANDARDS:

8.8.6                                    

Identify causes, effects, and outcome of World War II, including:

¨   legacy of WWI

¨   Pearl Harbor

¨   Allies

¨   Axis powers and leaders

¨   atomic bomb

 

STUDENT LEARNING GOALS/OBJECTIVES:

Students will identify the effects of atomic testing in Nevada and create a power point presentation which will support an argument for or against testing in Nevada.

MATERIALS/SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS:

 

Computer access for students

Graphic organizer (one that students can take notes on)

Computers with Power Point access

 

ACTIVITIES/STRATEGIES:

 

Complete the attached webquest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bombs in the Backyard                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

                                                                

                                               

 

Introduction:  Recent events in the world have led to the Nevada Congress considering the reestablishing of nuclear testing in Nevada.   Your mission is to educate the Nevada Congress about the history of Nuclear testing in Nevada.  Your information and your persuasive argument are key to the future of nuclear testing in Nevada. You will develop a power point presentation to present at a legislative committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Task: 

 

You will work with a partner to research and develop a power point presentation in which you develop a persuasive argument for or against the reestablishment of nuclear testing in Nevada.

 

Your essential questions are:

 

  • Why did nuclear testing take place in Nevada?
  • What were the effects of the testing on people in Nevada?
  • What are the long-term effects of nuclear testing?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process: Your task will consist of the following:

 

1.  Find out information about the Nevada Test Sites

 

 

                                                   

 

 

 

Information on Yucca Flat test site: 

 

                                                                             

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information on Frenchman Flat site:                   

 

 

                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use the graphic organizer provided by your teacher to take notes to help you in your persuasive power point.

 

  1. Using your Nevada Journey of Discovery textbook read “The Unhappy Truth” on page 183.  Take notes on your graphic organizer.

 

 

 

 

3.  Visit the following link to watch a nuclear bomb tests:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluation:

 

You will develop a 3-5 slide power point presentation which you will present to a committee at the Nevada Legislature.  You must take a position either for or against nuclear testing in Nevada in your presentation.  Prior to your presentation, your teacher will screen your power point.  Your power point will be graded using the following rubric:

 

 

 

                    Exceeds                     Meets                        Approaches              Below          Inadequate

Content

PP contains an abundance of information.  All information is accurate.  Much research has been done.

PP contains some information.  Information is accurate.

PP contains  information.  Information may be lacking.  Information may not be accurate.

PP contains little information. Very little information is included.  Information has many inaccuracies.

PP is missing. 

Argument

You have made a strong argument for or against nuclear testing.  You have many facts supporting your argument.

You have made an argument.  Some facts support your argument. 

Your argument is weak.  Few facts support your argument.

Argument?  What argument? 

PP is missing

Appearance

Your power point is professional, with no spelling/grammar errors and contains visuals to support your argument.

Your power point is neat.  You have included visuals which may support and enhance your pp.  There may be spelling/grammar errors.

Your power point may not be neat.  No visuals are included.  Many spelling/grammar errors are evident.

Your pp is not neat.  Very little time was spent on it.  Several spelling/

Grammar errors are evident.

PP is missing.