Activity Overview
The 1980s came with several social issues, many of which Reagan aimed to address with his domestic policies. Using a spider map, students will analyze and explain different social issues in the 1980s and the actions Reagan took regarding them. This activity will help students understand the stance Reagan took on these social issues, how his New Right conservative views influenced his actions, and the effects of the actions he did or didn't take on the communities and the country as a whole.
Teachers may pre-select issues for students to address in their spider maps. Below are several suggestions!
Reagan and the Social Issues of the 1980s
- Women’s Rights
- Aids Epidemic
- War on Drugs
- Civil Rights
- Immigration Reform
- The Wealth Gap
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map to explain and analyze the stance and actions of another president on certain social issues, namely ones related to the issues Reagan dealt with during his presidency. An example could be Obama’s actions concerning immigration, health care, and education.
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 examining Reagan's actions concerning the major social issues of the 1980s.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the different social issues.
- Write a description analyzing the issue and Reagan's stance and response to it.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
The 1980s came with several social issues, many of which Reagan aimed to address with his domestic policies. Using a spider map, students will analyze and explain different social issues in the 1980s and the actions Reagan took regarding them. This activity will help students understand the stance Reagan took on these social issues, how his New Right conservative views influenced his actions, and the effects of the actions he did or didn't take on the communities and the country as a whole.
Teachers may pre-select issues for students to address in their spider maps. Below are several suggestions!
Reagan and the Social Issues of the 1980s
- Women’s Rights
- Aids Epidemic
- War on Drugs
- Civil Rights
- Immigration Reform
- The Wealth Gap
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map to explain and analyze the stance and actions of another president on certain social issues, namely ones related to the issues Reagan dealt with during his presidency. An example could be Obama’s actions concerning immigration, health care, and education.
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 examining Reagan's actions concerning the major social issues of the 1980s.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify the different social issues.
- Write a description analyzing the issue and Reagan's stance and response to it.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Reagan and the Social Issues of the 1980s
Use primary sources to enrich your social issues spider map
Gather primary sources such as newspaper headlines, speeches, or photos from the 1980s to add firsthand perspectives to your spider map. This helps students connect with the era and understand the real-world impact of policies.
Guide students in sourcing reliable materials
Direct students to trustworthy archives or digital libraries like the National Archives or Library of Congress for authentic materials. Model how to evaluate sources for credibility and relevance.
Encourage students to select a relevant primary source for each issue
Have students choose a primary source that connects to each social issue on their spider map. This adds depth and evidence to their analysis.
Facilitate analysis and discussion of the sources
Prompt students to explain what each primary source reveals about Reagan’s stance or public opinion. Encourage group discussion to compare insights and foster critical thinking.
Integrate findings into the final spider map presentation
Guide students to incorporate snippets or images from the primary sources into their spider maps, citing them properly. This creates a richer, more engaging visual and written summary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reagan and the Social Issues of the 1980s
What were the major social issues during Reagan's presidency in the 1980s?
The major social issues during Reagan's presidency included women’s rights, the AIDS epidemic, the War on Drugs, civil rights, immigration reform, and the wealth gap. These topics shaped much of the social and political debate in the United States throughout the 1980s.
How did Reagan address the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s?
Reagan's administration was criticized for its slow response to the AIDS epidemic. Public funding and awareness campaigns were limited in the early years, leading to significant activism and advocacy from affected communities before substantial government action was taken.
What is a spider map, and how can students use it to analyze Reagan's policies?
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually connect a central concept to related ideas. Students can use a spider map to break down and analyze Reagan's actions on different social issues, illustrating his stances and their effects on society.
How did Reagan’s New Right conservative views influence his approach to social issues?
Reagan’s New Right conservative views emphasized limited government, traditional values, and free-market solutions. These beliefs influenced his policies on social issues, leading to reduced federal involvement in welfare programs and a focus on law and order.
What are some example assignments for teaching about Reagan and 1980s social issues?
Teachers can have students create spider maps analyzing Reagan’s stance on key issues, compare his actions to those of other presidents, or research the impact of his policies on specific communities. These activities foster critical thinking and historical analysis.
More Storyboard That Activities
Presidency of Ronald Reagan
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