As an enthusiastic reader, I often find it astonishing how much there is to learn about pivotal events in history. From current events to events that happened centuries ago, I love getting to experience different aspects of our history with every book I read. Although recently, my focus has turned to The Manhattan Project, the focal point for our first project of the year.
Initial Learning 📑
At first, I had only a basic understanding of the atomic bomb and its impact on Hiroshima, and while I enjoy historical topics in books, diving deep into a single event felt overwhelming. Fortunately, our project came with John Hersey’s book, “Hiroshima,” and after reading the first chapter, I’ve learned so much more about the atomic bombing than I ever thought possible. I’ve also been improving my literature note-taking skills and practicing the Zettelkasten method, which are essential for this project. Using my literature note template has helped me uncover fascinating details and facts that I didn’t know before, allowing me to jot them down for future review. This has been a great tool in just the first week, and I’m becoming increasingly comfortable with both the note-taking format and my understanding of the Manhattan Project.
80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bomb 💣
John Hersey – Hiroshima (Ongoing Notes)
Learning Intentions 🧠
While what I’ve learned in the past five days is just a small fraction of the knowledge I’ll gain by the end of the project, setting clear learning intentions will help guide me along the way. I believe in giving my best effort in everything I do, so I will fully commit to my research, project development, and every step along the way. Mastering Zettelkasten skills will also play a crucial role in this project, and I plan to utilize the three types of notes (Fleeting, Literature, and Permanent), to shape my work while also enhancing my abilities in each area. With these strategies in place, I’m excited to see how much I can grow and learn throughout this journey.
Driving Question 🚙
“How did the development of the atomic bomb alter the world we live in today?“
As I dive into The Manhattan Project and its significant impact on the atomic bomb, I’m beginning to see connections that reveal its influence on our world today. Initially, all I saw was the devastation in Hiroshima, but I’ve come to understand how the bomb altered military strategies and sparked critical discussions about ethics and the arms race during the Cold War. These insights prompt new questions about the enduring effects of nuclear energy and the trauma endured by those affected. Though I’m at the beginning of my learning journey and have much more to explore, I’m excited to progress with this project! I’m particularly keen to use the Zettelkasten method to organize my thoughts and insights as I explore various perspectives and contexts. Each step brings me closer to a deeper understanding of this complex topic.