Activity Overview
Once students are familiar with the basics of each political party, it can be helpful for them to do a deeper dive into one specific party. In a spider map, students will outline more specific core values for a particular political party. Teachers can assign these to students or have students pick.
During an election year, students should be encouraged to complete this project while researching the party's candidate and their specific stances. For slightly more advanced students, or an additional challenge, students might look up policies and laws that their assigned party has supported and see how it aligns with the party's core beliefs.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that outlines different core beliefs of a political party.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the core belief.
- In the descriptions, provide an explanation for what that belief means.
- Create an illustration for each description using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Parties in the United States | Student can identify the two major parties in the United States as well as two minor parties. | Student can identify the two major parties in the United States. | Students can identify one political party in the United States. |
| Core Values of each Political Party | Student can explain 3-4 core values for each political party identified. | Student can explain 2 core values for each political party identified. | Student can explain 0-1 core value for each political party identified. |
Activity Overview
Once students are familiar with the basics of each political party, it can be helpful for them to do a deeper dive into one specific party. In a spider map, students will outline more specific core values for a particular political party. Teachers can assign these to students or have students pick.
During an election year, students should be encouraged to complete this project while researching the party's candidate and their specific stances. For slightly more advanced students, or an additional challenge, students might look up policies and laws that their assigned party has supported and see how it aligns with the party's core beliefs.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a spider map that outlines different core beliefs of a political party.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the core belief.
- In the descriptions, provide an explanation for what that belief means.
- Create an illustration for each description using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Parties in the United States | Student can identify the two major parties in the United States as well as two minor parties. | Student can identify the two major parties in the United States. | Students can identify one political party in the United States. |
| Core Values of each Political Party | Student can explain 3-4 core values for each political party identified. | Student can explain 2 core values for each political party identified. | Student can explain 0-1 core value for each political party identified. |
How Tos about A Closer Look at the Political Parties
Plan a classroom debate about political parties
Organize students into groups representing different political parties. This encourages them to research and defend their party’s beliefs.
Assign research roles for each group member
Designate specific topics—like core beliefs, famous leaders, or recent policies—for each student. This ensures everyone contributes and learns deeply.
Provide reliable resources for research
Share age-appropriate articles, videos, or books about political parties. This helps students find accurate and balanced information.
Set clear debate guidelines and roles
Explain expectations for respectful discussion, time limits, and how to present arguments. This keeps the debate focused and positive.
Reflect on the debate as a class
Lead a group discussion about what students learned and how their views may have changed. This promotes critical thinking and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Closer Look at the Political Parties
What is a spider map activity for teaching political parties?
A spider map activity is a graphic organizer where students visually outline the core beliefs of a political party. Each branch represents a key value, with explanations and illustrations to help students understand and remember each belief.
How can I help students research a political party's core beliefs?
Guide students to explore official party platforms, candidate statements, and past supported laws or policies. Encourage them to summarize findings in their own words and use reputable sources for accurate information.
What are the steps to create a political party spider map in the classroom?
First, assign or let students choose a political party. Next, have them identify and title each core belief. Then, write a brief explanation and create a relevant illustration for each belief, organizing all elements around a central party label.
Why is it important for students to connect political party beliefs to real policies or laws?
Connecting beliefs to real policies or laws helps students see how party values influence government actions, making abstract concepts more concrete and developing critical thinking about political impacts.
What grade levels is the political party spider map activity best suited for?
The spider map activity described is designed for 4th and 5th grade students, but can be adapted for slightly older or younger grades depending on lesson goals and student abilities.
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