Appraisal Checklist

Video

The Atomic Café         

 
 


Title 

 

X
 

 
 

X

 
Type (check one)         VHS                 Videodisc                    DVD                           

 

Amazon.com

 
 


Source (where can this item be purchased or obtained?)

 

2/22/04           

 

$15 - $30
 

88 min.
 
 


Date of appraisal                               Cost                                      Length (in minutes)

 

Social Studies – U.S. History               

 
 
 


Subject area 

 

Adults and Teens         

 
 


Intended audience

 

This documentary follows the U.S. nuclear program and the reaction of Americans to the atomic bomb.  The tape uses declassified government test footage, news, and stock video mostly from the 1940’s through the 1960’s.  The film focuses on the impact of the atomic bomb on American life.  It shows Americans listening to atomic bomb tests on the radio, and documents responses of citizens who state their beliefs about nuclear weapons.  The film begins with the first atomic test; then it shows the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings and the resulting destruction.  It then moves into the Cold War proliferation and testing.  It displays the beliefs towards using nuclear weapons in the Korean War and the obsession and fear of nuclear weapons in the 1950’s, including the building of bomb shelters and the buying of nuclear protection gear.
 
 


Brief description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Examples of learning objectives that could be achieved with this media

From the State of Ohio – Social Studies Benchmarks Grade 9-10

  • Analyze connections between World War II, the Cold War and contemporary conflicts.
  • Explain major domestic developments after 1945 with emphasis on:

a.  post-war prosperity in the United States;

b.  McCarthyism

Other objectives

  • Trace the development of nuclear weapons and their impact on American society

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Students will need to be aware of the following concepts before viewing:  the Trinity test, the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the spy trials of Alger Hiss and the Rosenbergs, and McCarthyism.  I have students learn these concepts before viewing the film, since the film shows footage of these events without any narrative or audio commentary to introduce what is being viewed.  This is one of the weaknesses of the film, because it assumes the audience has prior knowledge about these events.
 
Entry capabilities required (e.g., prior knowledge, reading ability, vocabulary level, math ability)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the following chart, enter an “X” or other appropriate symbol to indicate your rating for each category.

Add your comments to support your rating in the “Comments” section.

 

Rating category

High

Medium

Low

Comments

Matches curriculum

x

 

 

It serves as a good introduction to the issues of the Cold War.

Accurate and current

 

x

 

It was made in the late 1980’s, but since it relies on historic footage, it is still effective.

Clear and concise language

 

x

 

Without narration and with a lot of editing and jumps, it can be confusing.  Concise narration would be helpful.

Arouses motivation/maintains interest

x

 

 

Segments are short and interesting choices.

Learner participation

 

x

 

Participation depends on the teacher.  There are many points where viewers can be involved if the tape is stopped for discussion over what has been viewed.

Technical quality

 

x

 

The quality is limited by the historic footage that is used.

Evidence of effectiveness (e.g., any field test results?)

 

 

x

N/A

Free from objectionable bias or advertising

x

 

 

No advertising contained.  The bias in the film is intentional to show the government propaganda of the times and can be a major point of discussion.

User guide or other documentation available

 

 

x

None provided.

Pacing appropriate for audience

x

 

 

The editing of the film fits the short attention span of the modern audience, without losing coherence.

Use of cognitive learning aids (e.g., overviews, cues, summary)

 

 

x

The lack of overall narration does not prepare the audience with summaries or introductions to the content that is shown.

 

 

I have found that every year, when we study the Cold War, students have a great deal of questions about nuclear weapons.  I feel that once students understand the nuclear fear, they can more easily understand the importance and fear that resulted from the other Cold War events that we will be studying for the rest of the school year.  Many examples of nuclear testing help educate students on what nuclear weapons are and how they’re used.  The historic footage also helps students to see the irrational reactions that people had to the atomic bomb.  The film is both horrific and humorous, especially in the bomb shelter scenes.  I have shown part of it to students last year, and they really enjoyed it and said it was worthwhile viewing.  This is the first year, when I’ve prepared the class to view the whole film.
 
Strong Points

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is no commentary or narration for the video.  It just flows from one event to the next without transition.  It assumes the viewer already knows about the topics presented.  A scene of a nuclear test immediately cuts to footage of “duck and cover” drills, leaving the viewer to make the connections.   The teacher will need to be very involved in the showing of the film, which could be seen as a positive or a negative point.  To help students to understand what they’re seeing, the tape will need to be paused frequently for class discussion.  I see this as a positive way to keep students involved actively in their viewing and understanding of the film.
 
Weak Points

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Recommended action (do you recommend the use of this media?)     Yes                   No