Model Lesson I Responses to Urban Political Machines
Model Lesson 1 Standard 11.2.4 Analyze the effect of urban political machines and the responses to them by immigrants and middle-class reformers.
Day One
Hook As a class decide to answer two of the following questions: Why do people do favors for others? What do people expect when they vote for someone? Would you vote for someone who you knew was corrupt if they helped you get a job?
Instructional Conversation In groups of four or as a whole class, support your response. Listen to one another and respond to ideas. Do not make personal attacks. Sentence starters are provided to support your thinking and encourage discussion. Debrief as a whole class.
Background Reading: Political Machines As you read Document 1, answer questions from Student Handout 2 to check for understanding. Complete the cause and effect graphic organizer as a class.
Day Two
Cause and Effect Work with Student Handout 3 to reconnect with Day 1 and to help understand the concept of cause and effect.
Background Reading In pairs, read Document 2 and complete Student Handout 4.
Document Analysis Analyze Document 3: What do you see? (list details without making inferences) What is your interpretation? (inferences based upon the available evidence) What is the significance? (What is the cartoonist trying to do? What is the larger historical meaning of this source?)
Connection to the Present What needs to be reformed today? Connection to a service learning project?
Homework Create a political cartoon representing an issue/area to reform today. Explain in writing (underneath your cartoon or on a separate piece of paper) the meaning of your cartoon.
Day Three
Document Analysis
The Writing Task Look at Student Handout 6 (Writing Prompt and Task Sheet). You will be engaging in document analysis. Keep the writing prompt in mind as you examine the documents.
Document Analysis In pairs, analyze Documents 4 – 8 and record your findings on Student Handout 5.
Debriefing the Documents As a class, discuss your analysis of the documents.
Take a Stand Reveal each statement. Agree = Right Side Disagree = Left Side
Homework Write a draft of your introduction and thesis and/or complete your document analysis from earlier in the day.
Day Four
Writing Work with Student Handouts 6 and 7 and all other lesson materials to craft your essay.