Activity
What Would You Have Done? 20th-Century Presidents
Course, Subject
Social Studies, Career Development and Occupational Studies
Grade Levels
Commencement, 11th Grade
Assessment
- Reaction paper is assessed on basis of established rubric.
- Panel and class participation are assessed.
Author
CDOS Writing Team, Authors of Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Resource Guide with Core Curriculum.
Duration
1 week
Description
Objective:
Students will investigate decisions made during various presidential administrations.
Activity:
- Students divide into teams of three and select a 20th-century President to research. Teacher makes sure that each President is selected only once.
- Students use library resources and Internet to research the President to identify:
- Significant decisions made during his administration
- The impact decisions had on this and other countries
- Political, economic, and social policies
- Students representing various Presidents sit on a panel to lead class discussion about decisions made during various presidential administrations.
- Other students serve as reporters on the White House Press Corps and ask probing questions.
- Students select one President and write a reaction paper based on one of his decisions; paper is entitled “What Would I Have Done and Why?”
Materials/Resources
- Computer with Internet access
- Library resource material systems
Comments/Modifications
Students outline the major policies of one President and use a computer-based presentation program to create a brief presentation for class.
Source
CDOS Writing Team. “What Would You Have Done? 20th-Century Presidents.” In Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Resource Guide with Core Curriculum. New York State Department of Education, 204.
