Rob+Davenport+Lesson+Plan

Views on Immigration
 * Lesson Plan Title:**

Teach:** Portrait of America
 * Concept / Topic To

CYSOFC.5.1.05 Describe how the U.S. has been enriched and developed by cultural diversity. CYSOFC.5.1.06 Contrast the differing view of what unites Americans as a nation.
 * Standards Addressed:**

Students will analyze primary sources to evaluate attitudes towards immigration Students will connect political cartoons to U.S. census data
 * Objectives:**

6 Immigration Cartoons 2000 census race/ethnicity data table NARA Worksheets
 * Required Materials:**

Students will watch 3 minute clip of The Simpsons immigration episode and discuss any attitudes that were shown
 * Anticipatory Set (Lead-In):**

Put students into 6 groups Have students start at 1 of 6 stations; each station will have a different cartoon Each group will complete a NARA worksheet for each cartoon (5-10 minutes per station) Give each student a 2000 census table and have students do a “think aloud” with the data Each student will choose one of the cartoons and write a letter to the artist. The letter will be a critique of the depicted view using the census data to support their argument.
 * Procedures:**

Students will report back their thoughts of the cartoons.
 * Closure (Reflect Anticipatory Set):**

The letters will be assessed based on the above objectives.
 * Assessment:**

English: Writing a letter Art: Critiquing an artist’s interpretation Civics: Foundation for legislative branch and policy making
 * Possible Connections To Other Subjects:**

Robert, This is a very interesting lesson. I really like the way you are relating political cartoons and the feelings they express with actual census data - this makes it both concrete and higher order. I also like the idea of using a Simpsons clip to hook your students. It's amazing how a short 3-minute clip can get students into the learning they are about to do for the day. I think that having the students critique the cartoons is a great idea! - Christy McCanna

Rob, what a hot topic for todays society. As the illegal immigant topic is so hot in politics this is a great activity to allow students to see how society has changed over the years. I like the political cartoon link to all the statistics. Question...do the students need to locate current immigration cartoons or were you thinking of using historical ones? It would be interesting to compare cartoons from the early 20th century and the early 21st century. (Susan) Rob, I think your lesson is well thought out. I like the idea of the Simpson clip to interest your students. I was never a fan of the Simpsons but our students love them and we have to met them where they are. I never thought about the idea of writing to the artist. That would incorporate writing skills into your lesson. We are pushed to incorporate writing constantly into our curriculum. Knowing my classes I would be afraid that 5-10 minutes to complete the worksheet would not be enough time. We are all bound by the ringing bell and it controls our plans.(Pat Cassner)

What an awesome lesson! I love the idea of using the cartoon to grab their interest and build on that! This is a very relevant topic in our world today and one that the students can make a connection to immediately which will help them to understand the political cartoons with greater ease. Jeanine **
 * Rob,