Activity Overview
Understanding the background of the New Deal and the issues it aimed to solve will help students understand how and why the programs were implemented and how it helped the American economy recover. Using a spider map, students will analyze and define the 5 Ws for the New Deal. This activity can serve as both an activity to introduce students to the New Deal and it's programs as well as a summative assessment at the end of the unit.
Students will ask the following questions:
- WHO created the New Deal?
- WHAT was the New Deal?
- WHEN was the New Deal?
- WHERE did the New Deal affect?
- WHY was the New Deal created?
Extended Activity
For this extended activity, students should create a spider map that details and represents the 5Ws of the Great Depression. As the Great Depression is seen as the impetus for the New Deal, having students begin with the Great Depression may be a very useful classroom strategy to provide them with a more comprehensive background.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of the New Deal programs: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Understanding the background of the New Deal and the issues it aimed to solve will help students understand how and why the programs were implemented and how it helped the American economy recover. Using a spider map, students will analyze and define the 5 Ws for the New Deal. This activity can serve as both an activity to introduce students to the New Deal and it's programs as well as a summative assessment at the end of the unit.
Students will ask the following questions:
- WHO created the New Deal?
- WHAT was the New Deal?
- WHEN was the New Deal?
- WHERE did the New Deal affect?
- WHY was the New Deal created?
Extended Activity
For this extended activity, students should create a spider map that details and represents the 5Ws of the Great Depression. As the Great Depression is seen as the impetus for the New Deal, having students begin with the Great Depression may be a very useful classroom strategy to provide them with a more comprehensive background.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of the New Deal programs: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about 5 Ws of the New Deal
How to facilitate a classroom debate on the effectiveness of the New Deal
Engage students in a debate to deepen their understanding of the New Deal's impact. Encouraging discussion helps students think critically and practice respectful argumentation.
Select and introduce key debate topics
Choose clear, relevant questions such as "Did the New Deal solve the problems of the Great Depression?" or "Was the New Deal fair to all Americans?" Focusing the debate helps students prepare and stay on topic.
Assign student roles and sides
Divide the class into teams or pairs, assigning each side of the argument. Designating roles ensures balanced participation and allows students to research different perspectives.
Provide time for research and preparation
Allow students to gather evidence from primary and secondary sources about the New Deal. Supporting claims with facts builds research skills and strengthens arguments.
Moderate the debate and foster respectful discussion
Guide the debate by setting ground rules for respectful listening and speaking. Encouraging civil discourse creates a safe environment for sharing ideas and opinions.
Reflect on key points and student learning
Conclude by summarizing main arguments and inviting students to share what they learned. Reflection reinforces critical thinking and helps students connect the debate to the broader topic of the New Deal.
Frequently Asked Questions about 5 Ws of the New Deal
What are the 5 Ws of the New Deal in history class?
The 5 Ws of the New Deal refer to Who created it, What it was, When it happened, Where it took place, and Why it was introduced. This framework helps students analyze the New Deal's origins, purpose, and impact during the Great Depression.
How can I teach the New Deal using a 5 Ws spider map activity?
To teach the New Deal with a 5 Ws spider map, have students create a diagram answering Who, What, When, Where, and Why about the New Deal. Encourage them to use images and brief descriptions for each W to visualize important details and synthesize information.
Why was the New Deal created and what problems did it address?
The New Deal was created to address the economic crisis of the Great Depression. It aimed to provide relief for the unemployed, recovery for the economy, and reforms to prevent future depressions in the United States.
What are some simple lesson ideas for introducing the New Deal to middle school students?
Simple lesson ideas include a 5 Ws analysis, creating a spider map, group research projects, and summarizing key New Deal programs. These activities help students build foundational understanding and engage with the topic visually and collaboratively.
How does understanding the Great Depression help students learn about the New Deal?
Understanding the Great Depression provides important context for the New Deal. It helps students see why the New Deal was necessary and how its programs were designed to solve the severe economic and social problems of the era.
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