Activity Overview
Nixon swept the election of 1972 in dominating fashion, earning his second term in office. However, the election was not without controversy, as soon after, news of the Watergate Scandal began to spread.
In order to help provide background on this event or assess comprehension, students will use a spider map to show the 5 Ws of the election of 1972 (who, what, when, where, and why). Through this activity, students will be able to understand how Nixon achieved re-election, how the re-election was marred by the emerging scandal, and analyze how these things worked in tandem.
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map detailing major terminology of the 1972 election. Students should examine major terms such as Watergate, the Democratic National Convention, as well as major figures of the election, including members of Nixon’s staff and perpetrators of the Watergate scandal. This will provide students with a deeper understanding of the event as well as historical context, and allows students to better discuss Nixon's presidency.
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 election of 1972: 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
Activity Overview
Nixon swept the election of 1972 in dominating fashion, earning his second term in office. However, the election was not without controversy, as soon after, news of the Watergate Scandal began to spread.
In order to help provide background on this event or assess comprehension, students will use a spider map to show the 5 Ws of the election of 1972 (who, what, when, where, and why). Through this activity, students will be able to understand how Nixon achieved re-election, how the re-election was marred by the emerging scandal, and analyze how these things worked in tandem.
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map detailing major terminology of the 1972 election. Students should examine major terms such as Watergate, the Democratic National Convention, as well as major figures of the election, including members of Nixon’s staff and perpetrators of the Watergate scandal. This will provide students with a deeper understanding of the event as well as historical context, and allows students to better discuss Nixon's presidency.
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 election of 1972: 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
How Tos about Presidency of Richard Nixon: Election of 1972
Engage students with a classroom debate on the impact of the 1972 election
Debates encourage critical thinking and make history personal for students. Setting up a debate allows students to explore multiple viewpoints about Nixon's re-election and the Watergate Scandal, making the topic more memorable and fostering active participation.
Assign roles for the debate and set clear expectations
Divide students into teams and assign roles such as Nixon supporters, opponents, journalists, or historians. Provide guidelines for respectful discussion and clarify what evidence students should use. This structure ensures everyone is prepared and engaged.
Guide students to research their positions using primary and secondary sources
Ask students to seek out factual information from reliable sources, including news articles, campaign materials, and witness statements. This step helps build information literacy and strengthens their arguments with real evidence.
Facilitate the debate and encourage respectful rebuttals
Moderate the debate, making sure students listen to each other and respond thoughtfully. Encourage them to use evidence in their rebuttals and respect differing opinions. This fosters a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Reflect on the debate and connect it to students’ understanding of the election
Lead a class discussion or assign a short reflection writing task. Ask students to consider what they learned, how their thinking changed, and how the 1972 election and Watergate Scandal connect to today’s political climate. Reflection deepens historical understanding and critical analysis skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Presidency of Richard Nixon: Election of 1972
What were the 5 Ws of the 1972 presidential election involving Richard Nixon?
The 5 Ws of the 1972 presidential election are: Who – Richard Nixon and his opponent George McGovern; What – Nixon's landslide re-election; When – November 7, 1972; Where – Across the United States; Why – Nixon's popularity, campaign strategy, and McGovern's weak opposition all contributed to the outcome.
How can I teach students about the 1972 election and Watergate using a spider map?
To teach the 1972 election and Watergate with a spider map, have students create branches for each of the 5 Ws—Who, What, When, Where, Why—and fill in details about the election and scandal. Encourage adding images and key terms to deepen understanding.
What is a spider map activity for analyzing historical events?
A spider map is a graphic organizer used to visually organize information. For historical events, students place the main topic in the center and branch out to key aspects, such as the 5 Ws, important terms, or major figures, to build comprehension.
Why was the 1972 election significant in Nixon's presidency?
The 1972 election was significant because Nixon won re-election by a large margin, but the victory was soon overshadowed by the emerging Watergate Scandal, which ultimately led to his resignation.
What major terminology should students know when studying the election of 1972?
Key terms for the 1972 election include Watergate, Democratic National Convention, Nixon's staff, and the main figures involved in the scandal. Understanding these helps provide essential context.
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