Activity Overview
Several programs were created during the New Deal in order to stimulate a variety of different industries and issues with the economy. Having students examine a select few of these will allow them to understand how deeply the events of the Great Depression affected the country and how widespread the recovery efforts were. Using a spider map, students will define and describe three New Deal programs.
In order for the class to be able to share this information with one another, it may be helpful to list the programs on the board and have students select the three they are going to choose before they begin. By having students select the programs together initially, it will allow that each program is selected at least once, and students can present their final storyboards to each other.
Suggested New Deal Programs
- WPA - Works Progress Administration
- CWA - Civil Works Administration
- CCC - Civilian Conservation Corps
- AAA - Agricultural Adjustment Act
- TVA - Tennessee Valley Authority Act
- National Employment System Act
- NIA - National Industrial Recovery Act
Extended Activity
After students have completed the Programs of the New Deal activity, students can copy their initial storyboards and replace the text from the description and replace it with their analysis of the program. Students should describe their opinion as to whether they believe the program was an overall success or failure and include the reasons why. Students may also rank their three programs first, second, and third, depending on which they viewed as their favorite program and which one they believe is the least effective.
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 spider map that describes and visualizes three New Deal Programs.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify three different New Deal programs.
- Write a summary of the aims of the program in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for each program using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Several programs were created during the New Deal in order to stimulate a variety of different industries and issues with the economy. Having students examine a select few of these will allow them to understand how deeply the events of the Great Depression affected the country and how widespread the recovery efforts were. Using a spider map, students will define and describe three New Deal programs.
In order for the class to be able to share this information with one another, it may be helpful to list the programs on the board and have students select the three they are going to choose before they begin. By having students select the programs together initially, it will allow that each program is selected at least once, and students can present their final storyboards to each other.
Suggested New Deal Programs
- WPA - Works Progress Administration
- CWA - Civil Works Administration
- CCC - Civilian Conservation Corps
- AAA - Agricultural Adjustment Act
- TVA - Tennessee Valley Authority Act
- National Employment System Act
- NIA - National Industrial Recovery Act
Extended Activity
After students have completed the Programs of the New Deal activity, students can copy their initial storyboards and replace the text from the description and replace it with their analysis of the program. Students should describe their opinion as to whether they believe the program was an overall success or failure and include the reasons why. Students may also rank their three programs first, second, and third, depending on which they viewed as their favorite program and which one they believe is the least effective.
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 spider map that describes and visualizes three New Deal Programs.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify three different New Deal programs.
- Write a summary of the aims of the program in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration for each program using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Programs of the New Deal
How to facilitate a New Deal programs debate in your classroom
Engage students in critical thinking by holding a structured debate about New Deal programs. This activity helps students analyze historical perspectives and articulate their opinions.
Select debate teams and assign programs
Divide your class into small teams and assign each team a different New Deal program. This ensures every major program is represented and encourages group collaboration.
Guide students to research pros and cons
Have each team research both the successes and criticisms of their assigned program. Encourage students to use primary sources and reliable references for a balanced view.
Set clear debate rules and structure
Present the debate format (opening statements, rebuttals, closing arguments) and establish respectful discussion guidelines. This keeps the activity organized and fair for all participants.
Facilitate the debate and encourage reflection
Moderate the debate, ensuring every group has a chance to present and respond. Finish by inviting the class to reflect on which arguments were most persuasive and why. This deepens understanding and supports critical thinking skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Programs of the New Deal
What are three major New Deal programs students can study?
Three major New Deal programs students can study are the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA). These programs addressed unemployment, conservation, and agricultural recovery during the Great Depression.
How can I teach students about New Deal programs using a spider map?
Have students choose three New Deal programs, then create a spider map by summarizing each program’s purpose and illustrating it with scenes or symbols. This visual organizer helps students understand the impact and variety of the New Deal.
What is the best way to help students compare the effectiveness of different New Deal programs?
Ask students to analyze and rank their selected programs by discussing each one's goals, outcomes, and impact. Encourage them to share opinions and support their reasoning, fostering deeper understanding and critical thinking.
Why is it important for students to analyze the success or failure of New Deal programs?
Analyzing the success or failure of New Deal programs helps students develop historical thinking skills, form evidence-based opinions, and understand the complexities of government responses to economic crises.
What are some easy classroom activities for teaching the New Deal to middle school students?
Try activities like spider maps for program analysis, group presentations, ranking programs by effectiveness, and creative illustrations. These engaging methods make learning about the New Deal accessible and interactive for grades 6-8.
More Storyboard That Activities
New Deal
- Photograph of a Workman on the Framework of the Empire State Building, 1936 • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- Row of men at the New York City docks out of work during the depression, 1934 • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- Textiles. Pacific Mills. Piecing-up on slubber frame (Front view), April 1937 • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
- WPA • beckstei • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- WPA workers building stairway at Golden Gardens, 1936 • Seattle Municipal Archives • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
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