Cold Case Files: The Rosenbergs

This lesson comes at the end of the Virginia and U.S. History unit on the Cold War, as we study the Red Scare. In this activity, students are asked to explore the Rosenbergs' case and determine if they feel that the punishment fit their crime. To accomplish this, I created stations that the students explore, each with a piece of evidence for the students to consider. This is a very free-flowing activity and students are often seen revisiting exhibits as they learn more, piecing the information together as they go. They are also allowed to consult with each other as they look over the evidence. At the end of class, we discuss each exhibit, and students write their indictment. I have included here both the lesson plans I have used while teaching to the SOLs and GED. 

Marbury v. Madison Political Cartoon

One of the most crucial and difficult tasks in a Social Studies classroom is analyzing images. I use this political cartoon while teaching about the judiciary branch in Government. It gives students the cartoon and then some questions to guide them into putting the entire message of the cartoon together. I have done similar activities with photographs, posters, etc as well.