Activity Overview
While the President holds the top role in the Executive Branch, there are other figures who play major roles within the branch. The president has a cabinet of advisers that lead various federal departments. As students are likely unaware of each department and how it operates, it can be helpful for them to research a few!
In this activity, students will create a spider map that explores the role of the president’s cabinet. For each department, students should include the title of the cabinet department, a representation of the cabinet’s role, and a description of thedepartment.
Students may choose from the following departments:
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Defense
- Education
- Energy
- Health and Human Services
- Homeland Security
- Housing and Urban Development
- Interior
- Justice
- Labor
- State
- Transportation
- Treasury
- Veterans Affairs
Extended Activity
In this extended activity, students will create a spider map that represents specific cabinet secretaries throughout history and represent the effect they had on society. The spider map might include the entire span of American history, or a selected series of years. For each cabinet member selected, students will include a title with the name of the secretary, along with the years they served in office, a visual representation of a specific accomplishment of that secretary, and a description of their representation.
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 describing the roles of four executive departments.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify four executive departments.
- Write a summary of the department's role in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
While the President holds the top role in the Executive Branch, there are other figures who play major roles within the branch. The president has a cabinet of advisers that lead various federal departments. As students are likely unaware of each department and how it operates, it can be helpful for them to research a few!
In this activity, students will create a spider map that explores the role of the president’s cabinet. For each department, students should include the title of the cabinet department, a representation of the cabinet’s role, and a description of thedepartment.
Students may choose from the following departments:
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Defense
- Education
- Energy
- Health and Human Services
- Homeland Security
- Housing and Urban Development
- Interior
- Justice
- Labor
- State
- Transportation
- Treasury
- Veterans Affairs
Extended Activity
In this extended activity, students will create a spider map that represents specific cabinet secretaries throughout history and represent the effect they had on society. The spider map might include the entire span of American history, or a selected series of years. For each cabinet member selected, students will include a title with the name of the secretary, along with the years they served in office, a visual representation of a specific accomplishment of that secretary, and a description of their representation.
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 describing the roles of four executive departments.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, identify four executive departments.
- Write a summary of the department's role in the description boxes.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Departments in the President’s Cabinet
How to Facilitate a Cabinet Department Debate in Your Classroom
Promote critical thinking by having students represent and defend different cabinet departments in a structured debate. This strategy helps students engage deeply with the functions and importance of each department.
Assign each student or group a cabinet department to research
Ensure balanced participation by letting each student or group focus on one department. This encourages ownership and thorough understanding.
Guide students to prepare arguments on why their department is most vital to the nation
Encourage use of facts, historical examples, and creative visuals. This builds research, reasoning, and presentation skills.
Set clear rules and time limits for the debate
Keep the discussion focused and fair by establishing guidelines. Assign roles like moderator and timekeeper for smooth flow.
Debrief and reflect as a class after the debate
Discuss what students learned about the executive branch and how different departments impact society. Reflection solidifies new knowledge and connects it to real-world issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Departments in the President’s Cabinet
What are the main departments in the President's Cabinet?
The President's Cabinet includes key federal departments such as Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Justice, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs. Each department is led by a Cabinet secretary who advises the President on specific policy areas.
How can students learn about the roles of different Cabinet departments?
Students can explore Cabinet roles by creating a spider map that highlights each department's title, its main responsibilities, and a brief description. Visual representations and summaries help make the information memorable and easy to understand.
What is a spider map and how is it used for learning about the President's Cabinet?
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually organize information. For the President's Cabinet, students use it to connect department names, their roles, and descriptions, making complex government structures easier to grasp.
Why is it important for students to study Cabinet secretaries and their impact?
Studying Cabinet secretaries helps students understand how leadership decisions shape national policies and society. Learning about past secretaries and their achievements highlights the real-world impact of government roles.
What are some tips for creating an effective spider map for a Cabinet department lesson?
To create an effective spider map, choose four departments, clearly label each branch, write concise summaries, and add relevant illustrations. Focus on key responsibilities and use visuals to enhance understanding for all learners.
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