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Cartoons for the Classroom: China, Tibet, and the Olympics
Political tensions have surrounded the Olympics for centuries; take a look back at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics with this political cartoon analysis worksheet. Background information gives learners context regarding Tibetan protests...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: John Q. Public
John Q. Public was a notable cartoon representation of the average American; but how accurate was this portrayal? Emergent analysts consider several topical points as they take a critical look into a cartoon portrayal of the American...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Prorogue in Canada
Canada's financial woes and a controversially suspended Parliament create fodder for political cartoons in this critical analysis handout. Background information clarifies the context, allowing scholars access to the cartoons, which poke...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Invasion of the Superdelegates
What are superdelegates? Use this political cartoon analysis handout to explore this informal term with your scholars. Background information gives brief context to help high schoolers examine the featured cartoon, and three talking...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: What's Next in 2011?
Examine the toolbox of political cartoons with this analysis handout, which features a cartoon utilizing satire, sarcasm, and irony as it predicts the current events of 2011. Interestingly, this will also serve to get scholars looking...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: The Veepstakes!
Take a step back in time with this political cartoon analysis learning exercise, which features editorial cartoons from the 2008 presidential campaign. Background information allows pupils to "read between the lines" in their analysis,...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: The Economic Paradox
It's a classic conundrum of economics: voters want jobs, but don't want to spend the money required for businesses to hire. This political cartoon analysis worksheet has students analyzing this enigma and responding to 3 talking points...
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How Were European Nations Capable of Dominating the African Continent?
Primary source documents provide a realistic context for pupils to explore. Included are 5 experts relating European ideals and methods for colonizing and controlling the African continent. Middle schoolers answer 4 critical-thinking...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Safety vs. Energy
Political cartoons are a poignant way to examine energy sources. This analysis handout has scholars examining a cartoon by Joe Heller (a link to his gallery is included for possible extensions). Background information reminds pupils of...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Spinning off of Eyjafjallajökull
The name itself may have your scholars' heads spinning: Eyjafjallajökull. Its recent volcanic eruption spurred many political cartoons on unrelated topics- using an analysis handout scholars examine the use of metaphor in 2 cartoons...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Politics of Change
Empty rhetoric in Washington timelessly inspires political cartoons. Examine this concept through an analysis handout, which features a cartoon by Pat Oliphant (archived work is linked for possible extension activities). Although this...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Campaigns and Gas Pains
Even before they are driving, your scholars have heard the ups and downs of gas prices. Assess the political turmoil behind rising prices using this analysis handout, which features a political cartoon from 2006. Background information...
Tean Truth
Leaders Are, Can, and Think
A great way to begin a discussion of leadership is to have learners reflect on their own experiences with leadership. A one-page worksheet asks individuals to list what they believe are the top characteristics, qualities, and beliefs of...
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Cartoons in the Classroom: Economic Blame Game
Two political cartoons grace this critical analysis instructional activity. Several very good discussion questions and points to consider, could make this an interesting start to any US Government class. Prepare upper graders for...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Oil Spill Perspectives
With the BP oil spill still fresh on your scholars' minds, take the opportunity to analyze various perspectives on it through political cartoons. This critical-analysis handout features 2 cartoons on the incident. Background information...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Multinational Corporations
The octopus is a commonly used symbol in political cartoons. Help your scholars examine why it has been used in this way throughout history. Three cartoons depict different uses of the octopus. Background information helps gives context...
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Nov. 2, 1976 | Carter Defeats Ford in Presidential Election
After reading about the presidential race in 1976, learners think critically about presidential legacy. They read all of the provided background information, related New York Times articles, and then respond to a writing prompt via blog...
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African Phoenix: Poetry Worksheet
"African Phoenix" is a poem with strong imagery and voice. The class will read two poems then draw an image of what they feel the poems mean. This is a good way to spark critical analysis.
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Sunshine Week
Do the people have the right to know? Is there a real dialogue between U.S. political powers and the American people? Upper graders evaluate these concepts and more when they critically examine two political cartoons depicting Sunshine...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Mosque debate Intolerance vs. Insensitivity
Kids analyze a cartoon that deals with the hot-topic debate of whether a mosque should be erected two blocks from the place where the twin towers stood. They'll look critically at the techniques and symbolism used by the artist to convey...
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Cartoons in the Classroom: Conserve or Drill
To drill or to conserve? This question is the foundation of the political cartoons up for critical analysis in this well-composed worksheet. Learners will analyze two cartoons guided by background information and excellent questions for...
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Cartoons for the Classroom: Human Rights
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a political cartoon is like reading an essay. Have your critical thinkers examine three cartoons to read between the lines, gaining insight and information. They analyze how these cartoons...
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Cartoons in the Classroom: State Children's Health Insurance Program
This political cartoon may hit home for some budding analysts. They take a critical look at the issues and viewpoints surrounding the State Children's Health Insurance Program through a satirical lens. A great cartoon, amazing guiding...
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Imperialism: J.A. Hobson (1902)
J.A. Hobson was a popular writer, economist, and critic of Imperialism. Learners will read a short excerpt from one of his publications and answer two, two-part questions regarding his views on Western imperialism in Asia. Tip: Ask your...