Atomic Bomb 60th Anniversary



The Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
On August 6, 1945, at precisely 8:16 a.m., the first atomic bomb, nicknamed "Little Boy," exploded over Hiroshima, Japan, after being dropped from the Enola Gay. On August 9, 1945, at approximately 11:02 a.m.the second atomic bomb, nicknamed "Fat Man," exploded over Nagasaki, Japan, after being dropped from a B-29 plane. Around 140,000 people died in Hiroshima and 70,000 in Nagasaki as a result of the bombings, although it is estimated that many thousands more suffered radiation-related deaths.
[Source: Atomic Bomb Museum]

Not sure where to start? Try the Nuclear Files website.

Another good starting point is The Atomic Bomb: An Overview from Online University.


Lesson Plans

"Fifty years from Trinity", courtesy of Seattle Times
Teaching Resources on the Atomic Bomb from Education World

Suggested grade level for each plan is 9 - 12 due to the mature content.

The Bombing Through Photos

Nagasaki Journey, Photographs from Yosuke Yamahata
Photographs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from the Japan Congress Against A- and H-Bombs (GENSUIKIN)

Please note that some photos may be graphic and may not be suitable for all viewers.

The Fallout from the Bombings - Personal Accounts, Artifacts, and Health Issues

Atomic Museum Historical Collection (United States)
George Wellers' uncensored articles
Radiation Effects Research Foundation (Japan)

Film or Video Program Titles

Fat Man and Little Boy
Lesson plan available
Abstract: "Fat Man & Little Boy" is the story of the Manhattan Project through which the U.S. developed the atomic bomb. It focuses on the uneasy relationship between the Pentagon general in charge of the project, General Lesley Groves and J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientific director of he project." (From Teach with Movies)

The Fog of War
Lesson plan available from film website; Lesson plan #2 available from the Choices Program; Film website
Abstract: A film about the former US Secretary of Defense and the various difficult lessons he learned about the nature and conduct of modern war. (From imdb.com)

Grave of the Fireflies
Lesson plan available; Film website
Abstract: "Orphaned and homeless, two children set out to survive on their own in post-World War II Japan. But in the face of a society that is no longer able to help them, they begin to realize that they can never escape the hardships of war, or even find enough to eat. Best Animated Feature, Chicago International Children's Film Festival. "Elegiac and riveting" (The New York Times). Dubbed in English." (From AEMS)

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
Lesson Plan available; Teacher's Guide available, Film website
Abstract: "When Hiroshima was bombed on August 6, 1945, the Sasaki family was spared. Or so it seemed. Sadako Sasaki was only two at the time, and until she was twelve, she grew strong and healthy. Then one day, after a relay race at school, Sadako felt strange and dizzy, a feeling she would keep secret until weeks later. Sadako had leukemia, 'the atom bomb disease.' While she was in the hospital, her closest friend reminded her of the Japanese legend that if she folded 1,000 paper cranes, she might be granted her wish to be well again. With courage and faith, Sadako began folding." (From AEMS)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in these Web sites and videos do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the Asian Educational Media Service.
Report Broken Link or Suggest a Link


Last Updated September 12, 2012