Lesson Plan
Prepared by: Mary Beth Scumaci
Date: April 2010
Please Note Copyright Information:
The images used in this lesson plan and power point slide show are from the Library of Congress
Art Wood Collection which includes items with “publication restrictions”. This means that
teachers and students may use either print or digital versions for education purposes but cannot
publish their work that includes these images on a publically accessed website or in any print
format.
Cartoon America. A Library of Congress Exhibition, 2006. The Art Wood Collection of Cartoon
and Caricature. <http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/cartoonamerica/cartoonamerica-home.html >
Please click on the links in the PowerPoint presentation to see the political cartoons.
Title: Five Persuasive Characteristics Used In Political Cartoons
Overview:
This is a resource lesson for teachers on how to use the Library of Congress Teacher Resource Page on
Political Cartoons to enhance the Social Studies curriculum. The five persuasive characteristics of
political cartoons will be the focus of the lesson.
Goal:
The broad spectrum of political perspectives presented in political cartoons informs our
understanding not only of the past but also of the present.
Objectives:
1. Students will identify and define the five persuasive techniques used by political cartoonists.
2. Students will analyze political cartoons using the five persuasive techniques.
3. Students will apply the five persuasive techniques to their own original political cartoon.
Investigative Question: Upon completion of this lesson, students will be able to answer this
question:
1. How do political cartoons influence the way we think about historical events?
2. How do political cartoons help us express our freedom of speech?
Time Required: 2- 3 45 minute class periods
Recommended Grade Range: 5-6
Subject: Social Studies – Political Cartoons
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
Standards:
New York State Social Studies Standards: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/socst/home.html
Standard 1: History of the United States and New York
Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras,
themes, developments, and turning points in the history of the United States and New York.
Key Idea 1: Interpret the ideas, values, and beliefs contained in the Declaration of Independence
and the NYS Constitution and the US Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other important historical
documents.
Key Idea 3: Classify information by type of activity: social, political, economic, technological,
scientific cultural or religious
Key Idea 4: Consider different interpretations of key events and/or issues in history and
understand the differences in these accounts. View historic events through the eyes of those who
were there, as shown in their art, writings, music and artifacts.
Standard 2: World History
Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of major
ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in world history and examine the broad
sweep of history from a variety of perspectives.
Key Idea 1: Interpret and analyze documents and artifacts related to significant developments
and events in world history.
Key Idea 4: View historic events through the eyes of those who were there, as shown in their
art, writings, music and artifacts.
McREL 4th Edition Standards & Benchmarks
Historical Understanding
Standard 2. Understands the historical perspective
Level II (Grades 5-6)
Benchmark 3. Understands that specific ideas had an impact on history
Benchmark 5. Understands that specific decisions and events had an impact on history
Credits: Developed by: Mary Beth Scumaci, Medaille College, April 25, 2010
Materials:
1. Political Cartoon Bibliographic Organizer
2. PowerPoint Presentation
3. Sample political cartoons for discussion
4. Political Cartoon Graphic Organizer
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
5.
6.
7.
8.
Political Cartoon Scoring Rubric
Poster Board, Markers, Crayons, Chart Paper
Smartboard (if available)
Reflection Journals
Resources: (External websites and secondary sources)
1. Library of Congress
a. It’s No Laughing Matter: Analyzing Political Cartoons
b. Prints and Photographs Online Catalog
c. Afflicting the Comfortable: Cartoonist Paul Conrad Puts Words Behind the Pictures
d. Witness and Response (9/11 Comics)
e. Political Cartoons Exhibitions and Presentations
f. Cartoon America
2. External Websites
a. Springfield, Mass. Library and Museum Association Dr. Seuss Collection
b. Education World Curriculum Article: Use Editorial Cartoons To Teach About
Elections Past and Present
c. Women In Space Timeline
Procedure (Inquiry Cycle):
Connect: PowerPoint Slides 1-9
Whole Group Discussion
1. Purpose of Lesson: We are going to learn about political cartoons. We will be
discussing their importance and the 5 characteristics that political cartoonists use when
creating their political cartoons. After discussing these things, you will have an
opportunity to become a political cartoonist and draw your own political cartoons.
2.
Display cartoons from the Library of Congress search (Family Circus, Seven Dwarfs,
Snow White)
Ask students what they know about cartoons. Discuss why they like
them or not. Discuss characteristics that are seen in the cartoons (humor, hidden
message, story….
3. Display The First Woman Astronaut (Art Wood, 1974).
4. Ask students if they have ever heard of a political cartoon. List ideas on the board
or chart paper.
5. Define political cartoon: A cartoon that relates to political decisions, events, & ideas.
It is an art form that encourages people to think about historical events from different
perspectives. It is an artist’s way of expressing his freedom of speech about a political
situation.
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
6. Think about what you know about politics and our economy, what message is
Art Wood, the political cartoonist trying to tell us in this cartoon?
Wonder: PowerPoint Slides 10-24
Whole Group Discussion
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Why do you think people enjoy reading political cartoons?
What do you think we can learn from political cartoons?
Political cartoons have 5 characteristics that artist’s use to convey their message.
What do you think they may be? Discuss and list ideas.
Introduce 5 characteristics and definitions
Symbolism: Cartoonists use simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger
concepts or ideas.
After you identify the symbols in a cartoon, think about what the cartoonist
intends each symbol to stand for.
Exaggeration: Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the physical
characteristics of people or things in order to make a point.
When you study a cartoon, look for any characteristics that seem overdone or
overblown. (Facial characteristics and clothing are some of the most commonly
exaggerated characteristics.) Then, try to decide what point the cartoonist was
trying to make through exaggeration.
Labeling: Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it clear exactly
what they stand for.
Watch out for the different labels that appear in a cartoon, and ask yourself why
the cartoonist chose to label that particular person or object. Does the label
make the meaning of the object clearer?
Analogy: An analogy is a comparison between two unlike things that share
some characteristics. By comparing a complex issue or situation with a more
familiar one, cartoonists can help their readers see it in a different light.
After you’ve studied a cartoon for a while, try to decide what the cartoon’s
main analogy is. What two situations does the cartoon compare? Once you
understand the main analogy, decide if this comparison makes the cartoonist’s
point more clear to you.
Irony: Irony is the difference between the ways things are and the way things
should be, or the way things are expected to be. Cartoonists often use irony to
express their opinion on an issue.
When you look at a cartoon, see if you can find any irony in the situation the
cartoon depicts. If you can, think about what point the irony might be intended
to emphasize. Does the irony help the cartoonist express his or her opinion more
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
effectively?
6. Think Pair Share: Think about the 5 political cartoon characteristics and their
definitions. Share one or 2 or the characteristics and definitions with a partner.
7. Look back at The First Woman Astronaut ( Art Wood, 1974) cartoon
and identify any of the 5 characteristics
Symbolism: coin & grocery bag = sky rocket; flying above world. clouds
Exaggeration: woman screaming- big mouth- frustration over pricing
Labeling: Coin- food prices, bag-shopper, 1974=year of cartoon (could be
2010)
Analogy: At the time, women in the US were interested in becoming
astronauts. Higher food prices, due to inflation impacting their budgets were
not what they had in mind.
Irony: Food prices should not be high for the consumers. (Addition of a tiny
paycheck in the woman’s hand would add to the clarification.)
8. Are all of the characteristics in this cartoon clear? What could you add to this cartoon
for clarification?
Investigate: PowerPoint Slides 25-29; political cartoon samples; 5 Characteristics Graphic
Organizer
Small Group Discussion
1. Students will work in groups of 4-5. They will be given a political cartoon to evaluate.
2. Each group will identify the 5 characteristics of political cartoons within the cartoon.
If a characteristic is not identifiable, students will make a suggestion for an addition to
the cartoon for clarification purposes.
3. Each group will present their cartoon to the whole group. You will display your cartoon
and each group member will be responsible for helping to discuss the cartoon, the
characteristics and the reason your chose your topic.
Construct: PowerPoint Slide 29
Whole Group Discussion
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What is a political cartoon?
What is the purpose of a political cartoon?
Why are political cartoons important?
What are the 5 characteristics of political cartoons?
What do they mean?
What have you learned?
Express:
Whole Group Discussion- Create a Political Cartoon- PowerPoint Slide 30;
Political Cartoon 5 Characteristics Graphic Organizer ; markers, crayons, poster board;
Political Cartoon Rubric
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
1. Discuss possible ideas for a political cartoon. Create a brainstorming list. Possible
ideas: Endangered animals, the economy, school closures, teachers losing their jobs
due to budget cuts...other ideas that students have.
Small Group Work
2. Students decide upon a topic in their group. They will brainstorm ideas for each of the
5 characteristics of a political cartoon. They will complete the political cartoon graphic
organizer.
3. Students will work together to draw their political cartoon and write a paragraph
defining its importance.
4. The political cartoons will be shared with the class and put on display.
Reflect: PowerPoint Slide 31; journals
1. Upon completion of the political cartoon project, students will spend 5-10 minutes
reflecting on what they learned about political cartoons and their importance to history.
They will write 3-4 statements about what they learned. They will write at least 1
question that they came up with that will assist them with learning more about political
cartoons.
Evaluation: Political Cartoon Rubric
1. Students will be evaluated on the completion of the Political Cartoon Graphic Organizer
and the political cartoon drawing. The political cartoon rubric will be used for scoring
purposes. The reflection will be reviewed by the instructor and student in a check
for understanding conference .
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
Bibliographic Organizer
Title of Lesson or Activity: An Introduction to Political Cartoons
Created by: Mary Beth Scumaci
Date: April 25, 2010
Document Title
Thumbnail Print
Gustav Tenggren. The seven
dwarfs, ca. 1937
Ink and watercolor over
graphite underdrawing
LC-DIG-ppmsca-03342 (82)
© Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Walt Disney Productions.
Snow White holding a bird, ca.
1937
Animation cel on acetate and
paper with black ink and
acrylic paints
LC-USZC4-9474; LC-USZ62275;
LC-DIG-ppmsc-02838 (83)
© Disney Enterprises, Inc
Bil Keane. The Family Circus.
"I wish You would dish out the
dessert, Mommy -- Dolly keeps
licking the spoon!" 1967
Published by The Register and
Tribune Syndicate, March 6,
1967
India ink and opaque white
over graphite underdrawing
with paste-ons
LC-DIG-ppmsca-09431 (75)
© Bil Keane, Inc., used by
permission Bil Keane
Art Wood. First Woman
Astronaut, 1974
Used on national television,
1974
Watercolor and ink over graphite
underdrawing
LC-DIG-ppmsca-0789 (17)
© Art Wood
URL
http://www.loc.gov/exhibit
s/cartoonamerica/images/c
a082-03342v.jpg
http://www.loc.gov/exhibit
s/cartoonamerica/images/c
a083-02838v.jpg
http://www.loc.gov/exhibit
s/cartoonamerica/images/c
a075-09431v.jpg
http://www.loc.gov/exhibit
s/cartoonamerica/images/c
a017-07879v.jpg
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
Etta Hulme. "It's from the I.R.S.- it says, 'all income, from
whatever source derived -- ,"
1975
Published in the Fort Worth StarTelegram, April 10, 1975
Crayon, ink, and opaque white
over blue pencil and graphite
underdrawing
LC-DIG-ppmsca-04613 (5)
© Etta Hulme, Fort Worth StarTelegram, 1975
http://www.loc.gov/exhibit
s/cartoonamerica/images/c
a005-04613v.jpg
.
http://www.loc.gov/exhibit
s/911/images/01752/0002
r.jpg
Comic Book Art/Political
Cartoons (Exhibition) View
cartoons from the September
11 Witness and Response
exhibition.
Title: Where Teddy's
announcement caused joy
Scene in any newspaper's
cartoon factory.
Creator: Brewerton, Alfred
West, 1881- artist
Date Created/Published: c1912
February 27.
Repository: Library of
Congress Prints and
Photographs Division
Washington, D.C.
Paul Conrad. "My
disarmament plan is better
than your disarmament plan!"
1961
Published in the Denver Post,
September 27, 1961
Crayon and ink brush over
graphite underdrawing
LC-DIG-ppmsca-09425 (15)
© used with permission, Paul
Conrad, The Denver Post,
1961
http://www.loc.gov/picture
s/item/2010645512
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/
cartoonamerica/images/ca01
5-09425v.jpg
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
Creating a Political Cartoon Graphic Organizer
Created By: Mary Beth Scumaci, April 25, 2010
Political Cartoons: A cartoon that relates to political decisions, events & ideas. It is an artist’s way of
expressing his freedom of speech about a political situation.
Directions: There are 5 characteristics of a political cartoon to consider before you begin drafting the
cartoon. Answer the following questions and complete the chart before you begin the drawing of your
political cartoon.
1. What is the topic of your political cartoon? __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Why have you chosen this topic? __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
3. What will your readers learn from reading your political cartoon? ________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Use the space below to draw a draft sketch of your political cartoon. What will you title the political
cartoon? It should help the reader understand your perspective on the issue.
Title: _________________________________________________________________________________
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
Political Cartoon Characteristic Chart
Political Cartoon
Characteristic
Symbolism
Exaggeration
Labeling
Analogy
Irony
Characteristic Definition
The symbol you will use
to illustrate the idea.
Symbolism: Cartoonists use
simple objects, or symbols, to stand for larger concepts or ideas.
After you identify the symbols in a cartoon, think about what the
cartoonist intends each symbol to stand for.
Exaggeration: Sometimes cartoonists overdo, or exaggerate, the
physical characteristics of people or things in order to make a point.
When you study a cartoon, look for any characteristics that seem
overdone or overblown. (Facial characteristics and clothing are
some of the most commonly exaggerated characteristics.) Then,
try to decide what point the cartoonist was trying to make through
exaggeration.
Labeling: Cartoonists often label objects or people to make it
clear exactly what they stand for.
Watch out for the different labels that appear in
a cartoon, and ask yourself why the cartoonist chose to label that
particular person or object.
Does the label make the meaning of the object clearer?
Analogy: An analogy is a comparison between
two unlike things that share some characteristics. By comparing a
complex issue or situation with a more familiar one,
cartoonists can help their readers see it in a different light.
After you’ve studied a cartoon for a awhile, try to decide what the
cartoon’s main analogy is. What two situations does the
cartoon compare? Once you understand the main analogy, decide
if this comparison makes the cartoonist’s point more clear
to you.
Irony is the difference between the ways things are and
the way things should be, or the way things are expected to be.
Cartoonists often use irony to express their opinion on an issue.
When you look at a cartoon, see if you can find any irony in the
situation the cartoon depicts. If you can, think about what point the
irony might be intended to emphasize. Does the irony help the
cartoonist express his or her opinion more effectively?
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
Political Cartoon Group Project Rubric
4
3
2
1
Characteristics
Symbolism
Exaggeration
Labeling
Analogy
Irony
Groups complete the
Political Cartoon Graphic
Organizer and include all
5 characteristics in their
political cartoon.
Groups complete the
Political Cartoon
Graphic Organizer and
include 4
characteristics in their
political cartoon.
Groups complete the
Political Cartoon
Graphic Organizer and
include 3
characteristics in their
political cartoon.
Groups complete the
Political Cartoon
Graphic Organizer and
include less than 3
characteristics in their
political cartoon.
Paragraph
Explaining
Political Cartoon
Groups write a well
constructed paragraph
explaining the political
cartoon and all 5
characteristics. The
paragraph includes a topic
sentence, supporting
information and a closing
statement. Mechanics of
grammar, spelling and
punctuation are followed.
Groups write a l
paragraph explaining
the political cartoon
and all 5
characteristics. The
paragraph includes a
topic sentence,
supporting information
and a closing
statement. There are
some mechanics of
grammar, spelling and
punctuation are
followed. Some
improvement.
Groups write a
paragraph explaining
the political cartoon
and less than 4
characteristics. The
paragraph does not
include a topic
sentence, supporting
information and/or
closing statement.
Mechanics of
grammar, spelling and
punctuation need
improvement.
Groups write a
paragraph explaining
the political cartoon
and less than 3
characteristics. The
paragraph does not
include a topic
sentence, supporting
information and/or
closing statement.
Mechanics of
grammar, spelling and
punctuation need
improvement.
Cooperative
Group Work
Group members work
well together at all times.
Contributions and
responsibilities are
shared.
Group members work
well together most of
the time. Contributions
and responsibilities are
shared.
Group members need
mediation together
most of the time.
Contributions and/or
responsibilities are not
shared.
Group members need
constant monitoring
and facilitation.
Class
Presentation
All group members are
knowledgeable and
contribute confidently to
the presentation.
All group members are
knowledgeable and
contribute to the
presentation.
All group members are
not knowledgeable and
do not contribute to the
presentation.
The group does not
present.
Competency
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
Women in Space Timeline
1959 - Jerrie Cobb selected for testing for the Mercury astronaut training program
1962 - Though Jerrie Cobb and 12 other women (the Mercury 13) passed astronaut admission tests,
NASA decides not to select any women. Congressional hearings include testimony by Cobb and others,
including Senator Philip Hart, husband of one of the Mercury 13.
1963 - June - Valentina Tereshkova, cosmonaut from the USSR, becomes the first woman in space
1978 - Six women chosen as astronaut candidates by NASA: Rhea Seddon, Kathryn Sullivan, Judith
Resnik, Sally Ride, Anna Fisher and Shannon Lucid
1983 - June - Sally Ride, American astronaut, becomes the first American woman in space
1984 - July - Svetlana Savitskaya, USSR cosmonaut, becomes first woman to walk in space
1984 - October - Kathryn Sullivan, American astronaut, becomes first American woman to walk in
space
1984 - August - Anna Fisher becomes the first person to retrieve a malfunctioning satellite, using the
orbiter remote manipulator arm
1992 - May - Kathy Thornton, the second woman to walk in space, holds record for longest space
walk by a woman as of 2002
1992 - June/July - Bonnie Dunbar and Ellen Baker are among the first American crew to dock with the
Russian space station
1992 - September - Mae Jemison becomes first African American woman in space
1993 - April - Ellen Ochoa becomes first Hispanic American woman in space
1994 - July - Chiaki Mukai becomes the first Japanese woman in space
1995 - February - Eileen Collins becomes first woman to pilot a space shuttle
1996 - September - Shannon Lucid returns from her six months on Mir, the Russian space station,
with a record for the time in space for women and for Americans -- she is also the first woman to be
awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010
1998 - May - Nearly 2/3 of the flight control team for STS-95 were women, including the launch
commentator, Lisa Malone, the ascent commentator, Eileen Hawley, the flight directory, Linda Harm,
and the communicator between crew and mission control, Susan Still
1998 - December - Nancy Currie completes the first task in assembling the International Space
Station
1999 - July - Eileen Collins becomes the first woman to command a space shuttle
This timeline © 2002-2009 Jone Johnson Lewis.
http://womenshistory.about.com/od/aviationspace/a/timeline_space.htm
Political Cartoon Introduction- Mary Beth Scumaci 2010