What's So Funny About Political Cartoons?
The following lesson is designed to be presented in your classroom by an educator from Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. This lesson stands alone or may be used in conjunction with a visit to Martin Van Buren NHS. As an example, fourth graders from one Dutchess County school visit the site in October and an educator visits their school the following spring.
This lesson introduces 4th grade students to Martin Van Buren and his contemporaries. The students explore important lessons about American political culture including the rule of law, party politics and compromise. The program uses a fun, interactive classroom game to familiarize students with the seemingly arcane subject of political struggle before the Civil War.
*Fees are waived for school groups.
*Teachers may adapt the pre-visit and post-visit activities for use in their classrooms.