Shannon Burns

3-12-15
Grade 11
U.S. Government
Utica High School
Utica Community Schools
Political Ideologies
2.2.5 -- Use examples to investigate why people may agree on constitutional principles and
fundamental values in the abstract, yet disagree over their meaning when they are applied to
specific situations. (See USHG 8.2.4)
In this lesson, students will be learning about the differences between liberalism and
conservativism. It is not only important for students to learn the differences, but also to learn
about which side of the spectrum they can personally identify with. When students are able to
clearly identify their feelings on certain political issues, it helps them learn how to make
informed decisions in the present and in the future about politics and everyday life.
Goal:
Students will be able to identify where they fall on the political spectrum.
Objective:
Students will be able to differentiate between liberal and conservative views when considering
11 different political issues.
Materials:
Students:
-Lined paper
-Writing utensil
-Where Do I Fit In? WS
-Blank ideologies matching chart
-Ideologies cut out sheet
-Scissors
-Glue sticks
Teacher:
-White board
-White board markers
-Sticky notes
-Pairing sticks
-Ideologies PowerPoint
-Ideologies matching chart KEY

Procedure:
-Bell work:

-(Draw a T-chart on the board. Label one side liberal and one side
conservative)
-List everything you know about these two ideologies
-Discuss as a class
-As students complete their bell work, the teacher will pass out a sticky note and pairing
stick to each student

-Students will take the Where Do I Fit In? quiz as the teacher goes through each question with
them
-This is to ensure the students understand all of the questions and answers, as some many
students may not know enough about the issues given in order to make an informed
decision on how they feel about a particular issue
-When students finish their quiz, they will write their name on the sticky note and place it on the
spectrum drawn on the white board where they belong
-Once every student has placed their sticky note on the board, class will briefly discuss what they
see
-Where are most students on the spectrum? Why do you think this is?
-Were you surprised at the outcome?
-Do you think your beliefs align with your parents or familys beliefs? Why or why not?
-Teacher will briefly lecture students on some differences between liberalism and conservatism
while showing the PowerPoint
-Students will take notes
-Teacher will explain directions for the ideologies matching activity
-Will be getting blank ideologies matching chart and ideologies cut out sheet
-With their partners, they will cut out ideologies from the ideologies cut out sheet and
placing them in the correct spot on their blank ideologies matching chart
-Advise not to glue them until I come around and check that they are all correct
-Students will be paired up using the pairing sticks
-Students will move their seats to sit next to their partners with their desks pushed together
-Teacher will pass out blank ideologies matching chart and cut out sheet
-Students will begin working on the matching
-When everyone has finished, teacher will go over correct answers with students and ask follow
up questions to ensure understanding
Assessment:
Students will be assessed on the correctness of their final ideologies matching charts. Students
will also be assessed on participation and effort.
Technology:
The computer and projector will be used as technology for this lesson. Students will be engaging
in a hands-on activity that does not require technology for completion.

Accommodations/Adaptations:
Because students will be working in partners, there is little need for any accommodations.
Students who struggle with concepts will be placed with partners that will help and guide the
student in the right direction.
Reflection:
I am highly satisfied with the way this lesson turned out. It seemed as though students responded
very well to learning about both sides of various controversial issues. I liked how the lesson was
relatable to students because they got to identify where they fell on the political spectrum and
also were given the opportunity to voice their opinions as well. I would not change anything
about this lesson. I believe it was highly successful and effective.