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What to create	Lesson plan
Which subject	History
What topic	Reagan and Conservative Ideas
What length (min)	30
What age group	Year or Grade 7
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Lesson Plan: Reagan and Conservative Ideas

Grade Level: 7

Subject: History

Duration: 30 Minutes

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand the key principles of conservative ideas during the Reagan era.
• Identify major events and policies implemented during Ronald Reagan’s presidency.
• Analyze how Reagan's presidency affected American politics and society.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and screen for presentations
• Handouts with key terms and definitions
• Excerpts from primary sources related to Reagan's policies
• Video clip about Reagan’s presidency

Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 Minutes)

1. Warm-Up Question:
   Ask students, “What do you think it means to be a conservative?” Allow a few students to share their thoughts. Write key phrases on the board.
2. Brief Overview:
   Introduce Ronald Reagan as the 40th President of the United States and discuss the time period he served (1981-1989). Briefly explain that this lesson will explore his conservative ideas and their impact.

Direct Instruction (10 Minutes)

1. Key Principles of Conservatism:

   • Discuss the core beliefs of conservatism, such as limited government, free markets, individual liberties, and traditional social values.
   • Explain how these principles shaped Reagan’s policies.

2. Major Policies of Reagan’s Presidency:

   • Economic Policies (Reaganomics): Talk about tax cuts, deregulation, and how these aimed to stimulate the economy.
   • Foreign Policy: Discuss the Cold War context and the importance of Reagan’s approach to dealing with the Soviet Union, including the concept of "peace through strength."
   • Social Issues: Address the impact of his administration on issues like welfare, education, and minority rights.

Group Activity (5 Minutes)

1. Primary Source Analysis:
   • Divide students into small groups and provide them with excerpts from speeches, policies, or news articles related to Reagan's presidency.
   • Ask each group to discuss the main ideas from their sources and how they reflect conservative ideas.

Video Clip (5 Minutes)

• Show a short video (3-4 minutes) summarizing key events and policies from Reagan’s time in office.
• After the video, ask students to think about and share one thing they learned or found surprising.

Class Discussion (3 Minutes)

• Engage students in a brief discussion. Ask:
  • “Which of Reagan’s policies do you think had the greatest impact on America?”
  • “Can you see any connections between Reagan’s ideas and today’s political landscape?”

Conclusion and Assessment (2 Minutes)

1. Recap:
   Summarize the key points discussed in the lesson. Highlight the significance of Reagan’s presidency in American history.

2. Exit Ticket:
   Ask students to write down one lasting effect of Reagan’s policies that they learned today.

Assessment

• Monitor group discussions and participation during activities.
• Collect exit tickets to assess students’ understanding of the lesson objectives.

Extensions

• Suggest further reading on debates about Reagan’s legacy.
• Provide information on how to research more about conservative movements in present-day America.
• Recommend a project where students can create a presentation on one of Reagan’s significant policies.

Additional Resources

• Books: "Reagan: The Life" by Blake J. Harris
• Websites: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (www.reaganlibrary.gov)
• Videos: "The Presidency of Ronald Reagan" available on educational platforms like PBS LearningMedia.

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This lesson plan overview provides general guidance for engaging seventh-grade students in understanding Reagan and conservative ideas, while aligning with US educational standards.