J. Robert Oppenheimer

They should understand that the Manhattan Project is the reason why people come from all over the world to visit Los Alamos. During your presentation try to give them a sense of the special atmosphere here during the war.

PLEASE NOTE: If a student attempts to talk about the pros and cons of nuclear weapons or of dropping the bombs on Japan, gently steer away from this. You may have to say that this is a very important thing to think and talk about but that this is not the time for that. If a student attempts to discuss the science involved in the creation of weapons, explain that you are not prepared to discuss this and that he/she might want to talk with someone at the Bradbury Science Museum about that. This is necessary even if you do know something about the science of weaponry; your job in giving the presentation is to discuss the history.

Use lots of detail and ask questions to help get the students involved and thinking about the subject.

Supplementary topics are included for use at your discretion. Some or all of the information included on the sheets may be used if the particular situation seems to call for it. Put it into your own words and insert it wherever it seems best.

Don’t be afraid to say that you do not know the answer to a question! It is better to say that you do not know that to give information which you think is incorrect. If you don’t know the answer, volunteer to find out for them or give them suggestions as to where they might find the answer.

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