Debating the Route to Tokyo

Lesson Plan

Grade Level: 4-8, 9-12

Duration: 60 Minutes

Audience: Students, Educators

Aviation and Aircraft

Nimitz

Japan & the Pacific

Teks

United States since 1877: US.7D, US.7E, US.28A, US.28C, US.29A, US.29B, US.30B, US.31
Grade 7 Social Studies: 7.7E, 7.19A, 7.20A, 7.20B, 7.20C, 7.20D, 7.20E, 7.22A, 7.23
Grade 8 Social Studies: 8.29A, 8.29C, 8.31
World History Studies: WH.12C, WH.27C, WH.28E, WH.30A, WH.30C, WH.31

Materials

Army and Navy Argument Cards (included)
Map of the Pacific Theater
Whiteboard, chalkboard, or large sheet of paper
Writing utensil

National Standards

Era 8: Standard 3B, Standard 4B
D2.His.: 4.6-8, 4.9-12, 5.9-12

MAIN ACTIVITY:

Students will explore the major debate between General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz on how to defeat Japanese forces and ultimately invade the Japanese home islands. Students will explore both plans based on the available information at the time, analyze the pros and cons of each, and come up with an informed decision. They will then learn the actual outcome and explore how decisions like these helped shape the outcomes of World War II in the Pacific.