Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Understand the concept of the Cold War, its historical context, and its main characteristics.
2. Analyze and discuss the main conflicts and events that marked the Cold War, including the arms and space race.
3. Identify the main actors involved in the Cold War, such as the United States and the Soviet Union, and understand their respective ideologies and strategies.

Secondary objectives:

• Develop critical thinking skills and historical analysis when evaluating the impact of the Cold War on the contemporary world.
• Encourage active student participation through classroom discussions and practical activities.
• Foster independent research and reading of historical texts as learning tools.

Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

1. Review of Previous Content: The teacher should start the lesson by briefly reviewing the main events that led to the end of World War II, including the division of Germany and the creation of the UN. This review is crucial for students to understand the context in which the Cold War developed.

2. Problem Situation: The teacher can propose two problem situations to spark students' interest:

   • First situation: "Imagine that you live in a world divided between two superpowers, each with a political and economic ideology completely opposed to the other. How do you think this would affect your daily life, your freedoms, and future prospects?"
   • Second situation: "Suppose you are a scientist and your country is involved in a race to develop the most powerful weapon in the world. How would you feel about this situation? What would be the possible consequences for humanity?"

3. Contextualization: The teacher should explain that the Cold War was a period of global tensions that shaped the world as we know it today. The two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, competed not only militarily but also ideologically.

4. Introduction to the Topic: The teacher should introduce the topic of the Cold War, explaining that it was an indirect conflict between the USA and the USSR that lasted from 1947 to 1991. Additionally, the teacher can mention some highlights, such as the arms race, the space race, proxy wars, and the domino theory.

5. Curiosities and Anecdotes: To engage students, the teacher can share some curiosities and anecdotes about the Cold War. For example:

   • Curiosity 1: "Did you know that during the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union competed to see who would send the first man to the Moon? This competition became known as the Space Race."
   • Curiosity 2: "How about this one? During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union never directly faced each other in a military conflict. Instead, they fought indirectly through proxy wars in countries like Korea and Vietnam."

By the end of the Introduction, students should have a basic understanding of the topic, be motivated to learn more, and be prepared to deepen their knowledge in the next stage.

Development (20 - 25 minutes)

1. Theory - Cold War Concept (5 - 7 minutes): The teacher should introduce the concept of the Cold War, explaining that it was a period of political and military tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, which did not lead to direct conflict but engaged in indirect conflicts in various parts of the world. The teacher should emphasize that the Cold War was characterized by an "armed peace," with both sides accumulating weapons but avoiding direct confrontation. Additionally, it should be emphasized that the Cold War was not just a struggle between two superpowers, but also an ideological battle between capitalism and communism.

2. Theory - Main Actors and Ideologies (5 - 7 minutes): The teacher should present the main actors of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union. It should be explained that the United States represented capitalism and democracy, while the Soviet Union represented communism and a socialist system. The teacher should discuss the ideologies behind these systems and how they influenced the actions of each side during the Cold War. It is also important to highlight that, although the Cold War was a struggle between opposing ideologies, both sides used questionable tactics and engaged in human rights violations.

3. Theory - Arms Race (5 - 7 minutes): The teacher should explain the concept of the arms race, which was a central aspect of the Cold War. It should be discussed how the United States and the Soviet Union competed to develop more powerful weapons, including nuclear weapons. The teacher should emphasize the impact of the arms race on the economy, science, and politics of the two countries, and on global security.

4. Theory - Space Race (5 - 7 minutes): The teacher should introduce the space race, another important facet of the Cold War. It should be explained how the United States and the Soviet Union competed to achieve milestones in space exploration, such as sending the first satellite, the first man into space, and the first mission to the Moon. The teacher should discuss how the space race was a demonstration of power and prestige, and how it impacted the technology, science, and culture of the two countries.

At the end of this stage, students should have a solid understanding of the concept of the Cold War, the actors and ideologies involved, and the aspects of the arms and space race. They should be able to discuss these topics critically and in context.

Return (10 - 12 minutes)

1. Group Discussion (5 - 7 minutes): The teacher should divide the class into small groups and ask each group to discuss the answers to the problem situations presented in the Introduction. Each group should share their conclusions with the class, and the teacher should facilitate an enlightening discussion. This activity will allow students to apply the knowledge acquired during the lesson and develop their critical thinking skills.

2. Connection to the Real World (2 - 3 minutes): The teacher should then ask students to make connections between what they have learned and the real world. For example, they can discuss how the conflicts and tensions of the Cold War still impact today, or how the arms and space race influenced current technology and science. This reflection will help students understand the relevance of the lesson topic and the importance of studying history.

3. Individual Reflection (2 - 3 minutes): To conclude the lesson, the teacher should propose that students reflect individually on what they have learned. The teacher can ask guiding questions, such as:

   • "What was the most important concept you learned today?"
   • "What questions have not been answered yet?"

Students should write down their answers in a notebook or on a piece of paper. This reflection will help students consolidate their learning and identify any gaps in their understanding, which can be addressed in future lessons.

4. Feedback and Evaluation (1 - 2 minutes): Finally, the teacher should ask for feedback from students about the lesson. This can be done anonymously, through a quick questionnaire or an open discussion. The teacher should also assess the students' level of understanding through observation during the lesson and review of written reflections. The feedback and evaluation will help the teacher adjust future lessons according to the students' needs and interests.

At the end of this stage, students should have a clear understanding of the lesson topic, its implications in the real world, and how they can continue learning about the subject. Additionally, the teacher will have a clear idea of the students' level of understanding and any areas that may need reinforcement in future lessons.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Content Summary (1 - 2 minutes): The teacher should start the Conclusion stage of the lesson by summarizing the main points discussed. This includes the concept of the Cold War, the actors involved, the conflicting ideologies, the arms race, and the space race. The teacher can use a slideshow or a blackboard to highlight these points, ensuring that students have a clear understanding of the material.

2. Connecting Theory with Practice (1 - 2 minutes): The teacher should then explain how the lesson connected theory with practice. This may include a discussion on how the problem situations presented at the beginning of the lesson reflect real issues of the Cold War. The teacher can also highlight how group discussion and individual reflection allowed students to apply what they learned in a practical and meaningful way.

3. Extra Materials (1 - 2 minutes): Next, the teacher should suggest additional reading or viewing materials for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the topic. These materials may include documentaries, books, magazine articles, and reliable educational websites. The teacher should emphasize that history is a vast field and that continuous study is essential for a complete and contextualized understanding of events.

4. Relevance of the Topic (1 minute): Finally, the teacher should emphasize the importance of the lesson topic for the current world. It should be explained that the Cold War shaped modern geopolitics, influenced the development of current technologies and sciences, and left a legacy of conflicts and tensions that can still be felt today. The teacher can encourage students to reflect on how the history of the Cold War can inform their views on current and future events.

At the end of this stage, students should have a clear understanding of the lesson topic, how it applies to the real world, and how they can continue learning about the subject. They should feel motivated to explore further the history of the Cold War and make connections between this topic and other aspects of their learning.