Links for Activity Files

Resources for Teaching this Activity


Differentiate and Adapt this Activity

Add Additional/Modify Questions: Additional questions for analysis can be generated by using the Library of Congress Primary Source Analysis Tool. Once on this webpage, scroll down to access the primary source analysis document for cartoon analysis. You may also find questions from the SHEG Historical Thinking Chart useful.

Provide Cartoon Technique Terminology: To help students with terminology about cartoon techniques, provide students with the Cartoon Analysis Guide from the Library of Congress.

National Archives Document Analysis Worksheets: Supply students with the “Analyze a Cartoon” worksheet from National Archives.


Scaffold this Activity

Vocabulary Preparation: Teach vocabulary terms used in this activity prior to the lesson. Consider using a graphic organizer such as the Frayer Model.

Model: Model responding to the first set of questions together as a class.

Guided Instruction: Use guided instruction with challenging questions to work through together as a class.

Group: Group students to analyze the cartoon together.

Chunk: Chunk or break down analysis questions into more manageable pieces. Use responses as formative assessments to check for understanding and respond to misconceptions.


Technology Suggestions

Online Cartoon Maker: Students can create their own political cartoons with Animatron. Students must create a free account.

Google Form Zoom-In Activity: Zoom in on features of the primary source for closer analysis. Here are instructions for creating a Zoom-In Activity. Also see Integrating Tech: Zoom-In to Primary Source Analysis and Teaching Now: Zooming In on the Benefits of Primary Source Analysis Using Google Forms.


Extend this Activity

Create Cartoons: Assign students to create their own cartoon about the case you are studying. The Cartoon Analysis Guide from the Library of Congress will act as a guide.

Online Interactive Form: Use Google Forms or a similar interactive form to have students complete the activity either individually or as a group and submit it by uploading.


Answer Key