• PMI chart template with three columns
• Background information on the decision
• Markers or colored pencils for each section

Create PMI templates with equal-sized columns. Select a historical decision with genuine complexity (Louisiana Purchase, dropping atomic bombs, etc.). Provide background reading.

1. Introduce PMI (developed by Edward de Bono): a tool for thinking about all sides of an idea before forming opinions.
2. Three columns: Plus (good things), Minus (bad things), Interesting (things that are neither good nor bad but worth noting).
3. Today's topic: 'Should President Truman have authorized the atomic bombs on Japan?'
4. Important: Fill out all three columns BEFORE deciding your opinion. This prevents bias.
5. Plus column (5 min): What are the possible benefits or positive aspects? 'Ended the war quickly', 'Saved American soldiers' lives'
6. Minus column (5 min): What are the drawbacks or negative aspects? 'Killed civilians', 'Started nuclear arms race'
7. Interesting column (5 min): What's neither good nor bad but thought-provoking? 'Japan might have surrendered anyway', 'Changed warfare forever'
8. Review your PMI. Does one column dominate? Go back and add to weaker columns.
9. NOW form your opinion, using evidence from all columns.
10. Discussion: How did this process affect your thinking?

Pre-populate some examples in each column for struggling students. Provide additional source documents for evidence. For advanced students, require citation of sources for each point.

Check for balanced thinking across all three columns. Look for evidence-based reasoning. Note if students find genuine 'Interesting' points rather than just positives or negatives.