Using historical simulations to teach decision-making

Create a role-playing simulation of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Roles: President Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, military advisors (Joint Chiefs), Soviet Ambassador, etc. Scenario: Students receive role-specific briefing documents with classified information and objectives. Process: 1. Students meet in their advisory groups to discuss options. 2. The 'President' facilitates a series of meetings where advisors present their cases (e.g., blockade vs. air strike). 3. The 'President' makes a decision. 4. Teacher reveals the historical outcome. Debrief: Students reflect on the pressures of decision-making, the role of information, and the consequences of different choices. Compare their simulation outcome to the actual historical events.