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Lesson Plan

Master of the Airwaves: How FDR Used Radio to Ease the Public’s Fears

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This Master of the Airwaves: How FDR Used Radio to Ease the Public’s Fears lesson plan also includes:

The political and economic climate during the 1930's was uncertain and tumultuous. But Americans' minds and hearts were eased with the reassuring words of their president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and addresses over the radio. High schoolers explore the value of persuasion with a instructional activity that prompts them to modernize the famous Fireside Chats with podcast technology and a thorough look at effective persuasive techniques.

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CCSS: Designed
Concepts
franklin d. roosevelt, the presidency of franklin d. roosevelt, ken burns, fireside chats, the new deal, the great depression, world war ii, the radio, persuasive arguments, united states presidents, persuasive techniques, podcasts
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Additional Tags
social studies
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Instructional Ideas
  • Have class members watch the videos for homework before returning to class to begin the activity
  • Assign small groups particular subjects to research and debate, or allow them to propose their own
Classroom Considerations
  • If you don't have access to the various podcast programs or recording equipment, consider having learners perform their shows live
  • Lesson is based on Ken Burns' documentary The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, and provides relevant video clips
  • Requires four to five class periods
Pros
  • Incorporates technology, speaking and listening, American history, and research skills into one project
  • Provides a rubric for straightforward assessment
Cons
  • None