Heather+Slaugh's+lesson+plan

Objective: Help students use political cartoons to identify themes, criticisms, etc. of current/historical events in preparation for the AP American History test.
Have students list individuals, groups, media, etc. that try to influence our views. Explain that many people try to convince us to share their opinions. One example of this is political cartoons. It is important to understand their point of view so that we will be able to form our own opinions about the subject they are portraying.

Introduction of political cartoons:
Bring 3-4 cartoons to analyze, each presenting a different opinion of the same issue. · Discuss characters’ dialogue and how it actually refers to current political figures, debates, events, or foreign issues · Analyze symbolism of elements such as scales of justice or eagle · Introduce other artistic devices such as exaggeration, labeling, analogy, irony, etc.

Brainstorm ideas for our own political cartoons:
· What are some current issues in our country? What are the differing opinions about this issue? · What is your opinion about this issue? Why? · What analogy could you use to explain this concept? · What other cartoonist techniques could you use to make it more meaningful? · Have them make an outline of their cartoon: no more than three frames

Introduction of Technology
· Have students set up their own account on ToonDoo. **Make sure students don’t use information that would compromise their identity or safety.** · Choose characters and settings for their cartoon. · Start working on some of the details; finish next class. · **Make sure the computer lab is available to students for enough time to complete their project. Some students may not have computers or internet access at home.**


 * Example of Student Cartoon using ToonDoo**

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