Cartoons for the Classroom: Grinding to a Halt- The U.S. Economy

Using gears as a visual metaphor, this political cartoon analysis learning exercise gives a clear picture of one artist's perspective on the U.S. economy. Background information helps give pupils access to the cartoon's context, and 3 talking points guide deeper analysis. Learners are prompted to consider how the gear metaphor applies to the interdependence of jobs, home sales, and economic recovery. They contemplate other issues that could be depicted using this metaphor.