Dropping the Atomic Bombs

My name is Robb Odou. I have been teaching at San Jacinto High since 2001. I teach Social Studies, which at my school includes Geography, World History, U.S. History, Government, Economics, and Psychology.
This unit could be used in either World History or, as I envisioned it, U.S. History.
Over years, I have come to realize that our students are "turned off" by history because our books give all the answers, with only one point of view. Things are the way they are because it "had be be that way".
I disagree. There are more views of history out there with many different points of view that are different than that of the text.
 While I do believe it is unfair (and of questionable ethics) to bias our students to our beliefs, I do think we serve our students better by leading them to all available facts and have them draw conclusions as to what happened. I also believe strongly in defending and encouraging differing points of view.
My students interest in the subject has steadily improved (along with grades) when I use this approach.
Let's not shortchange history..or our students!
Show them all there is to see. That's the true pursuit of knowledge.
Thank you, and I would appreciate your input!
Robb Odou

P.S.- There could be other ways to further divide the opposing sides ("Camps"):

• From the point of view of the Politicians/ members of government (although few knew about the bomb)
• From the P.O.V. of the scientists- many denounced  it's use after they saw what it could do, and signed a petition.
  
• From the P.O.V. of the military- whom didn't want to lose more men, but didn't agree with non-military targeting.

   The more you research, the more you will find! Feel free to modify this unit to suit.