What Should the U.S. Do About North Korea's Nuclear Weapons?

The United States and North Korea are involved in escalating tensions related to North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. The U.S. opposes North Korea’s possession of nuclear weapons. The Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, however, believes he needs nuclear weapons to remain in power. A nuclear war between the U.S. and North Korea would have devastating consequences, so how can it be avoided?

In this lesson, students read a background to the North Korean nuclear threat and U.S. policy options. Two activity options are provided for teachers: (1) A simulation of a Senate subcommittee hearing on U.S. policy options to deal with the crisis, and (2) a civil conversation on the crisis, which involves students in the deliberation of controversial issues toward mutual understanding and discussion of multiple perspectives.