Lesson Plan
Using Political Cartoons
1. Ohio Standards
Social Studies Skills and Methods
Evaluate the reliability and credibility of sources
Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities
Analyze ways people achieve governmental change, including political action, social
protest, and revolution.
History
Identify major historical patterns in the domestic affairs of the United States during
the 20th century and explain their significance.
2. Grade Level indicators
Grades 9-10
3. Purpose, Background, and Context
This unit will be used to introduce students to the Progressive Era and Theodore
Roosevelt’s involvement in the era. Teddy Roosevelt served as a main
representation of the Progressive Party. Roosevelt was seen in multiple
perspectives by varying groups. This unit will examine those differing perspectives
of Roosevelt.
4. Goals/Objectives/Student Outcomes/Performance Expectations
Students will analyze political cartoons and establish reasons behind the varying
views of Roosevelt.
Students will develop their own view of Roosevelt as a leader of the Progressive
Party during the Progressive Era.
Students will understand the role media plays in public opinion and critically
analyze the images show.
***Students will develop as critical thinkers that will advance them as U.S. citizens
and voters. (knowledge importance outside of the classroom)
5. Materials
A Room With A View
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/00652195
Progressive Fallacies Cartoon
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=progressive+era+cartoons&um=1&hl=en&biw=1022&bih=568&tbm=isch&tbnid=3ozlWCxRIqY0I
M:&imgrefurl=http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/electioncartoons/&docid=LiTs6hEVtXFnqM&imgurl=http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/election-cartoons/images/progressivefallacies.gif&w=519&h=720&ei=cCPFToKlHS22gWEpI3VBw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=276&sig=101478983325647688453&page=1&tbnh=157&tbnw=113&start=0&ndsp=11&ved
=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=61&ty=47
Anti-Third Term Principle Cartoon
http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/election-cartoons/images/anti-third-term.gif
Salvation is Free, but it Doesn’t Appeal to Him
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/service/pnp/ppmsca/27800/27865r.jpg
Or Bust
http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsca.27879/
6. Procedures
1. Start with showing students “The Room With a View” cartoon.
Discuss how this illustrates Progressivism and its major ideas.
2. Students will be given the cartoon analysis worksheet.
Review sheet together.
3. View all four of the Roosevelt political cartoons.
4. Fill out the worksheet.
5. Debrief over the worksheets in class and discuss how Roosevelt fits into
the major ideas of the Progressive Era.
7. Assessment of Outcomes
- Class discussion
- Writing assignment over Republican hopeful candidates
8. Extensions and Adaptations
1. Coming up on an election in 2012, students need to be aware that public
figures are multifaceted and have negative and positive aspects.
2. All of these aspects need to be looked at and analyzed when determining a
candidate.
3. Students can view modern debates between candidates and analyze the
positive and negative behind responses and the public figure themselves.
4. Students will complete a selection from the potential candidates explaining
all sides of their choice and decipher how their positives would outweigh
their negatives.