August 13, 2012
You’ve come to expect BrainPOP movies to explain concepts and ideas with clarity, depth and respect. These qualities are especially important when explaining complex and sensitive topics, such as September 11th, the death of Dr. Martin Luther King and the Holocaust. These difficult topics are also some of the most popular on BrainPOP, because they are difficult to explain concisely. Educators have come to realize that using the BrainPOP movie as an entry point to a conversation gives everyone a common reference point and a language by which to have meaningful dialogue. Our newest topic, Hiroshima and Nagasaki addresses America’s complicated and controversial action of dropping nuclear bombs in Japan during World War II. Regardless of your opinion about the actions, this movie gives a clear and concise history sharing the unfortunate details and consequences while also addressing the possibilities for what could have happened had the bombs not been dropped. This topic crosses traditional “subject” areas by touching on the history, the science and the social effects of the event. The pensive and thoughtful movie can be a great resource when your students ask questions about World War II or nuclear catastrophe.