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iCivics: Media Influence-Propaganda
Details
Main Website:
Activity Website:
Activity Description
Source: Propaganda: What's the Message? Lesson Plan (License: Protected by Copyright (c) [i.e. screenshot])
This is a very interactive site that allows for group work (if you have a computer and projector or an interactive whiteboard) or individual work by a student. Students will learn about individual rights, court decisions, presidential responsibilities, how to become a citizen, separation of powers, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, The Judicial Branch, Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, Money Management, and Media and Influence.
For this lesson we will focus on Media and Influence: Propaganda, but if another topic meets your needs, feel free to explore and find another lesson.
Preparation
- Go to the iCivics Web site . You will need to register for a free account to gain access to their materials.
- Now follow the link to the Example Web Site (above), choose the Propaganda.PDF file and go through the Objectives, Lesson Prep, and Step by Step instructions.
- Print and copy the student and teacher materials.
- Print and post the gallery walk.
- Prepare the class with the advertisements placed around the room.
Teacher Tips
- To make the materials accessible to all readers, divide class into groups with different reading levels.
More Ways
This Web site is rich in materials to use in the classroom. Take time to explore other possibilities for studying:
- Foundations of Government
- The Road to the Constitution
- The Constitution
- Three Branches of Government
- States and Local Government
- Citizenship & Participation
- Politics and Public Policy
- Media and Influence
- Civil Rights
- International Affairs
- Government & the Market
- Landmark Library
- County Solutions
- Persuasive Writing
Program Areas
- ABE: Adult Basic Education
- ASE: High School Equivalency Preparation
- ASE: High School Diploma
Levels
- Low
- Intermediate
- High
- All Levels
Lesson Plan
Warm-up
Engagement
Objective: Introduce the concept of propaganda and its influence in media and advertising.
Activity:
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- Show a short video clip or slideshow of various advertisements.
- Ask students to jot down their initial thoughts and reactions and share them with a partner.
- Discuss as a class what they think propaganda means and how it might be used in media.
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Introduction
Objective: Provide a clear understanding of the lesson’s objectives and key concepts.
Activity:
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- Explain the purpose and objectives of the lesson on propaganda.
- Introduce key terms: propaganda, media influence, and advertising techniques.
- Briefly discuss the historical context and significance of propaganda.
Presentation
Objective: Present the core content and examples of propaganda techniques.
Activity:
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- Use a projector or interactive whiteboard to present the Propaganda PDF file from the iCivics website.
- Go through the Objectives, Lesson Prep, and Step-by-Step instructions in the PDF.
- Discuss different methods used in advertising and propaganda, using examples from the PDF.
Practice
Engagement
Enhancement
Objective: Identify and analyze propaganda techniques in different advertisements.
Activity:
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- Gallery Walk: Print and post various advertisements around the classroom. Divide students into small groups and assign each group to a starting point. Groups rotate every few minutes, analyzing each ad for propaganda techniques using a worksheet provided.
- Group Discussion: After the gallery walk, have each group present their findings. Facilitate a class discussion on the different propaganda techniques identified.
Evaluation
Objective: Assess students' understanding of propaganda and media influence.
Activity:
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- Quiz: Administer a short quiz on key terms and concepts related to propaganda and media influence.
- Reflection: Ask students to write a brief reflection on what they learned about propaganda and how it affects their perception of media and advertisements.
Application
- Objective: Extend learning to explore other areas of media and influence.
- Activity:
- Interactive Website Exploration: Direct students to explore other topics on the iCivics website, such as the Constitution, three branches of government, or civil rights. Encourage students to choose a topic of interest and prepare a short presentation or report on what they learned.
- Homework Assignment: Assign students to bring in advertisements from home or online. Each student should prepare a brief analysis of the propaganda techniques used in their chosen ad.
- Class Presentation: Have students present their ads and analyses to the class. Encourage peer feedback and discussion.
Documents
- Quiz.docx - Short Quiz on Propaganda and Media Influence
Subjects
- Language Arts - Reading
- Analysis
- Comprehension
- Inference and Interpretation
- Reading
- Consumer Skills
- Government
- Social Studies
- American Government
Standards
- Reading Foundational Skills
- RF.4 - Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension. (Fluency)
- Reading
- CCR Anchor 4 - Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
- CCR Anchor 7 - Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
Tags
executive branch, icivics, judicial branch, landmark decisions, legislative branch, local government, media, media and influence, money management, politics, propaganda, Separation of Powers, state government, Bill of Rights, branches of government, Citizenship, civil rights, Constitution