Contextualization

The bipolarized world is a term that refers to the period of the Cold War, which lasted from the mid-twentieth century to the early 1990s. During this time the world was divided into two blocs, led by the superpowers the United States and the Soviet Union. The tension between these two poles created a strong worldwide division, characterized by a constant arms race and technological development.

This division led to the formation of economic blocs, political and cultural influence, indirect wars, the space race, and many other consequences that resonate to this day. Understanding the bipolar world is extremely important for understanding current geopolitics, the formation of economic blocs, the creation of political and military alliances, and the intensification of ideological conflicts.

Introduction

The first task is to understand what bipolarization represents and its relevance in the historical context. To do this, it is necessary to research the origin of this term, the historical period in which it is inserted, the main characteristics of that time, and the consequences that we still perceive in our world today.

Later, the project will focus on analyzing significant events during the Cold War, such as the formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, among others. These events are crucial for understanding the influence and rivalry between the superpowers of the time.

Finally, you will investigate how this bipolarization of the world affected and still affects international relations, economies, and the politics of countries. Understanding these concepts will help us understand the complex global mechanisms that shape our contemporary world.

Practical Activity: "Clash of the Titans: Representing the Cold War through Playful Didactics"

Project Goal

In this project, the idea is to build two models representing the Soviet Union and United States blocs during the Cold War, and a game board representing the world scenario during this period. In addition, the groups must create a board game that playfully translates the conflicts, alliances, and disputes that marked this phase of global history.

Detailed description of the project

• Step 1: Research and Planning

The groups must research in depth the political, economic, and social structure of the two blocs. As a result of this research, participants must produce a document summarizing the main characteristics of the two blocs.

• Step 2: Bloc Construction

The groups must build two models, one representing the Soviet Union and the other representing the United States during the Cold War period. The idea here is to represent in a simplified and creative way the urban, industrial, military, and research infrastructure of the two superpowers.

• Step 3: Creating the Board Game

The groups will create a board game representing the world scenario during the Cold War. In this game, the goal will be to conquer territories and form alliances, always remembering the historical characteristics that marked this period. The rules of the game must be clearly written and explained.

Necessary Materials

• Model building materials - cardboard, colored paper, glue, paint, etc.
• Materials for creating the board game - cardboard, colored paper, pens and markers, pieces to represent the players, dice, etc.
• Research equipment - internet access, books, and documentaries.

Detailed Step by Step

1. Divide into groups of 3 to 5 people.
2. Begin researching the two Cold War blocs - the Soviet Union and the United States.
3. Based on your research, build the models representing each of the blocs.
4. At the same time as building the models, start the project for the board game that represents the world reality during the Cold War.
5. Complete the constructions and review the rules of the game to ensure they are clear and fair.
6. Present the finished work including the models, the game, and a written document.

Project Deliverables

At the end of the project, each group must deliver:

• The two models representing the Cold War blocs.
• The Board Game, along with its rules.
• A written report with the following topics:
  • Introduction: Contextualization of the theme, relevance, application in the real world, and the project goal.
  • Development: Explain the theory behind the central theme, explain the activity in detail, indicate the methodology used, and present the results obtained.
  • Conclusions: Review the main points, explain the lessons learned, and the conclusions about the project.
  • Bibliography: Indicate the sources used to develop the project.

This written document is essential for understanding the thinking and effort behind the practical work carried out. In it, you must tell the journey, from the initial research to the finalization of the models and the game. Each step, each decision made, each difficulty faced must be explained in this document.