There's more out there than just Democrats and Republicans!

Students will use the internet to research minority political parties and interest groups. Students will create a PowerPoint presentation (or other type of presentation), write a paper, and create a commercial advertisement for their group using a propaganda technique.

A lesson plan for grade 10 Social Studies

By Abby Stotsenberg

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Related topics

• Learn more about Democrats, Republicans, civics, interest groups, minority parties, political parties, propaganda, and social studies.

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

• analyze the platforms, philosophies, and goals of minority political parties and interest groups.
• apply propaganda techniques (glittering generality, endorsement, name-calling, etc.) as they create a commercial advertisement that is appropriate for use by various political parties and interest groups.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

5 Days

Materials/resources

• copy of Web Addresses
• copy of Project Sheet
• copy of Response Paper for taking notes on student presentations

Technology resources

• Access to the internet
• PowerPoint software or other means for creating visual aids for an oral presentation
• Projector (LCD or overhead)

Pre-activities

Students should have prior exposure to information on the political spectrum, third party politics, the role of interest groups (including information of PACs and lobbies), and the use of propaganda techniques.

Activities

Days 1-3 (Block Schedule)

1. Have students break into groups of two and chose a group to research. Students can choose a minority political party or an interest group.
2. Students will work in groups of two in the computer lab. They will use suggestions on their project sheet to complete research and prepare a presentation about their group.
3. Students need to use the official websites and run additional searches to learn about the party’s/interest groups’ platform, philosophies, goals, beliefs, etc.
4. Students should create a PowerPoint presentation, a two-page written summary, and a commercial advertisement for the group that they research.

Days 4-5 (Block Schedule)

1. Students will present their research to the entire class using their PowerPoint presentation. Presenters will also describe their propaganda techniques and turn in their papers to the teacher. They should be prepared to answer questions from the class.
2. Students in the audience will take notes on each presentation

Assessment

Rubric is attached to the Project Sheet.

Supplemental information

Comments

I have found this project to be very successful. The students enjoy teaching the lesson and learning from each other. Time can be easily adjusted for 45-50 minute classes. Students without a partner can be exempt from the paper and must only complete the presentation and propaganda. I do not let students work in groups of three or more.