Political Cartoon Activity- A one day activity to teach how to interpret cartoons, with an extension activity that could be used as an assessment History Standards met H.6.8.1- Examine ways viewpoints expressed in political cartoons and other primary and secondary source documents have changed policy and public perception. CCSS met RH.6-8.2.- Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary sources; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions. WW2 Political cartoons Directions: For this assignment, you may create your own political cartoon and explain its meaning, or you may find 3 other cartoons from World War II that we did not look at and analyze them in the same way you did in class. You only have to choose one of these, but both options are explained in more detail below and a grading rubric for each is included. 1. CREATE YOUR OWN Political Cartoon Rubric CATEGORY 6 4 2 0 CREATIVITY It is clear there was much time and thought put into making an entirely new and creative cartoon. It is clear there was some time and thought put into making a creative cartoon. There are some aspects of the cartoon that come from other cartoons we looked at in class. The cartoon closely resembles one we looked at in class and there is little evidence of creativity from the student. QUALITY The cartoon is exceptionally neat done in full color, and takes up an entire piece of blank paper. The cartoon only includes 2 of those aspects (neatness, color, size). The cartoon only includes 1 of those aspects (neatness, color, size). The cartoon only includes 0 of those aspects (neatness, color, size). CLUES PROVIDED TO SHOW WHICH ASPECT OF WAR WAS CHOSEN There are 4 or more clues in the drawn cartoon that make it clear which aspect There are 3 clues in the cartoon that make it somewhat clear which aspect There are 1-2 clues in the cartoon that make it somewhat unclear There are no clues and it is completely unclear which
(words, symbols, numbers, etc.) of WWII is being portrayed. of WWII is being shown. aspect of WWII is being shown in the cartoon. WRITTEN EXPLANATION The student’s explanation is detailed and through and shows a 100% accurate understanding of the cartoon. The student’s explanation includes some detail, but not all aspects of the cartoon are accurately explained. The student’s explanation lacks detail and it is uncertain that they fully understand the meaning of the cartoon. The explanation of the cartoon is completely inaccurate or TIME AND EFFORT The student put forth great effort in completing the cartoon on time. The cartoon is not completed on time. TOTAL POINTS/COMMENTS Draw your own political cartoon that has to do with any aspect of World War II that you choose. This should be done neatly and creatively, be in color, and it should reflect your very best work. Draw your cartoon on a blank piece of typing paper (it should take up about the entire page). On the back of the cartoon, you need to give a detailed explanation of the message behind it. 2. FIND EXISTING CARTOONS Use the internet to find 3 additional World War II political cartoons that we did not talk about in class this week. Print each of these cartoons off. On the bottom of the paper, or on the back, you need to answer the same two questions that we answered for our warm-ups this week. Both answers need to be in complete sentences. When you are finished staple all 3 cartoons and explanations, along with this rubric, together. Describe the cartoon by identifying any symbols, words or dates. Political Cartoon Rubric CATEGORY 6 4 2 0 CHOICE OF CARTOONS All 3 cartoons chosen are new to the student and reflect an obvious aspect of WWII. Only 2 cartoons chosen are new to the student and from WWII. Only 1 cartoon chosen is new to the student and from WWII. None of the cartoons chosen are from WWII or new to the student. (REDO) WRITTEN EXPLANATION OF CARTOON #1 The student’s explanation is detailed and through and shows a 100% accurate understanding of the cartoon. The student’s explanation includes some detail, but not all aspects of the cartoon are accurately explained. The student’s explanation lacks detail and it is uncertain that they fully understand the meaning of the cartoon. The explanation of the cartoon is completely inaccurate or WRITTEN EXPLANATION OF The student’s explanation is The student’s explanation The student’s explanation lacks The explanation of the cartoon is
CARTOON #2 detailed and through and shows a 100% accurate understanding of the cartoon. includes some detail, but not all aspects of the cartoon are accurately explained. detail and it is uncertain that they fully understand the meaning of the cartoon. completely inaccurate or WRITTEN EXPLANATION OF CARTOON #3 The student’s explanation is detailed and through and shows a 100% accurate understanding of the cartoon. The student’s explanation includes some detail, but not all aspects of the cartoon are accurately explained. The student’s explanation lacks detail and it is uncertain that they fully understand the meaning of the cartoon. The explanation of the cartoon is completely inaccurate or QUALITY The student put forth great effort in completing the cartoon on time. The cartoon is not completed on time. TOTAL POINTS/COMMENTS Explain the message of the cartoon.