Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Objective one: Students will gain a basic understanding of Donald Trump's life and contributions to American history. This will include his role as the 45th President of the United States, the impact of his policies, and his status as a controversial figure.

2. Objective two: Students will be able to discuss and analyze the reasons behind Donald Trump's popularity and the factors that led to his election as President. This will involve exploring the sentiments of his supporters and the key issues that resonated with them.

3. Objective three: Students will develop critical thinking skills by examining both sides of the controversies surrounding Trump's presidency. This will involve discussing the views of his critics and the reasons behind their opposition.

Secondary Objectives:

• Objective four: Students will enhance their research skills by independently collecting information about Trump's life and presidency. This will be a preparatory task that will help them actively participate in the classroom discussion and analysis.

• Objective five: Students will improve their oral communication skills by presenting their findings in class. This will foster a collaborative learning environment and enable students to learn from each other's perspectives.

Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

1. Recap of Previous Knowledge: The teacher begins the lesson by asking students to recall what they have learned about the role of the President in the United States' political system. This includes the function of the executive branch, the election process, and the significance of the presidency in shaping the nation's history. The teacher also reminds students of the importance of understanding different perspectives when studying historical figures and events.

2. Problem Situations:

   • The teacher presents a scenario where students are asked to imagine being an advisor to Donald Trump. What advice would they give him, and why? This situation encourages students to think about the challenges and decisions a president faces, as well as the diverse range of opinions that exist.
   • The teacher then presents a second scenario where students are asked to imagine being a member of the opposition party during Trump's presidency. What policies or actions would they oppose, and why? This scenario encourages students to consider the impact of policies on different groups and the reasons for political opposition.

3. Real-World Context: The teacher contextualizes the importance of studying Donald Trump by discussing his impact on American society and politics. They highlight that Trump's presidency was marked by significant controversies and policy changes, and that understanding these is crucial for understanding the current political climate in the United States. The teacher also emphasizes that studying Trump will help students develop their critical thinking skills, as they will need to analyze and evaluate different viewpoints.

4. Topic Introduction:

   • The teacher introduces the topic by sharing that Donald Trump is a unique figure in American history. He was a businessman who became a reality TV star and then the President of the United States. His presidency was marked by a mix of policies that appealed to many Americans but also generated significant controversy.
   • To pique the students' interest, the teacher shares a few intriguing facts about Trump. For instance, he was the first president in over a century who had never held a previous political or military position. The teacher can also mention his iconic campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again," and its impact on the public.
   • The teacher then shares that the lesson will explore Trump's life, his presidency, and the controversies and policies that defined his time in office. The goal is to help students understand why he was elected, what he accomplished, and why he was a divisive figure.

Development (20 - 25 minutes)

1. Biography and Early Life of Donald Trump (5 - 7 minutes):

   • The teacher introduces the topic by discussing Donald Trump's early life and background. They explain that Trump was born in Queens, New York in 1946 and grew up in a wealthy family. He inherited a real estate business from his father and expanded it significantly.
   • The teacher emphasizes Trump's larger-than-life personality and his knack for self-promotion. They explain that before his presidency, Trump was known for his real estate empire, his TV show "The Apprentice," and his personal brand.
   • To enhance the students' understanding, the teacher can show pictures of Trump throughout his life, including his early family life, his business ventures, and his TV career.

2. Trump's Presidency and Key Policies (8 - 10 minutes):

   • The teacher proceeds to discuss Trump's presidency, which started in January 2017. They highlight that Trump's campaign and presidency were marked by a number of controversial policies and statements.
   • The teacher briefly touches on some key policies, such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the repeal of the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act, the renegotiation of NAFTA to create the USMCA, and the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform bill.
   • The teacher should stress that this is not an exhaustive list but an overview of some significant policies to provide a balanced view of Trump's presidency.
   • The teacher can use slides to present key policies and their basic implications to help students visualize the information better.

3. The Popularity and Controversy Surrounding Trump (5 - 8 minutes):

   • The teacher then delves into the reasons behind Trump's popularity and his status as a controversial figure. They explain that Trump's unfiltered communication style and his focus on issues, such as immigration and trade, resonated with many Americans who felt unheard by the political establishment.
   • The teacher also discusses the controversies surrounding Trump, including his impeachment, his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and his inflammatory rhetoric at times.
   • The teacher stresses the importance of understanding both sides of the argument and encourages students to think critically about these issues.

4. Interactive Activity: Trump's Tweets (2 - 3 minutes):

   • To make the lesson more interactive and engaging, the teacher can conduct a fun activity. The teacher selects a few of Trump's most famous tweets and presents them to the class, one at a time.
   • The students are then asked to analyze the tweet, discussing the potential implications and the public's potential reaction. The teacher guides the discussion, highlighting the power of social media and the importance of presidential communication.

5. Conclusion and Reflection (1 - 2 minutes):

   • The teacher wraps up the development phase by summarizing the main points of the lesson. They remind the students that understanding Donald Trump is vital to understanding the recent history of the United States and the current political climate.
   • The teacher then prompts the students to reflect on what they have learned and to consider how Trump's presidency has influenced their understanding of the American political system and the role of the President.

Feedback (10 - 15 minutes)

1. Assessment of Learning (4 - 5 minutes):

   • The teacher asks students to share their key takeaways from the lesson. This can be done through a roundtable discussion or by having students write their thoughts on a piece of paper and then share them with the class.
   • The teacher encourages students to express their thoughts and opinions on the material presented, fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment.
   • The teacher also assesses what the students have learned by asking them to connect the information presented in the lesson with current events or other historical figures they have studied. This helps to reinforce the understanding of the material and its relevance.

2. Reflection (3 - 4 minutes):

   • The teacher proposes that students take a moment to reflect on the lesson. The teacher can facilitate this process by asking reflective questions, such as:
     1. What was the most important concept you learned today?
     2. What questions do you still have about Donald Trump's presidency?
     3. How has your understanding of the American political system changed after studying Trump's presidency?
   • The teacher encourages students to share their reflections, fostering a deeper understanding of the material and its implications.

3. Connection to Real-World (2 - 3 minutes):

   • The teacher concludes the lesson by highlighting the relevance of the topic to the students' everyday lives. They explain that understanding Trump's presidency is crucial for understanding the current state of American politics and society.
   • The teacher can also discuss the importance of critical thinking and understanding different perspectives, skills that are essential not only for studying history but also for navigating the complex world around us.
   • The teacher encourages students to continue following news and current events, applying the skills they have learned in class to understand and analyze real-world situations.

4. Feedback Collection (1 - 2 minutes):

   • Finally, the teacher asks students to provide feedback on the lesson. This can be done through a quick survey, an open discussion, or by having students write their feedback on a piece of paper.
   • The teacher can ask questions such as:
     1. What was the most engaging part of the lesson?
     2. What could be improved in future lessons about this topic?
   • The teacher uses this feedback to improve future lessons and ensure that the students' needs and interests are being met.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Summary and Recap (2 - 3 minutes):

   • The teacher begins the conclusion by summarizing the main points of the lesson. They recap that Donald Trump was the 45th President of the United States, a businessman and TV personality before his political career.
   • The teacher reminds students of the key policies and controversies of Trump's presidency, emphasizing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the repeal of the individual mandate, the renegotiation of NAFTA, and the First Step Act as significant policies.
   • The teacher reiterates the importance of understanding both sides of the argument, discussing Trump's popularity and the factors that led to his election, as well as the controversies surrounding his presidency.

2. Connection of Theory, Practice, and Applications (1 - 2 minutes):

   • The teacher then explains how the lesson connected theory, practice, and applications. They emphasize that the lesson provided a theoretical understanding of Trump's life and presidency, which was then applied in the analysis of his policies and controversies.
   • The teacher also highlights the application of this knowledge in the interactive activity, where students had the opportunity to analyze and discuss Trump's tweets.
   • The teacher emphasizes that the lesson not only provided factual information but also encouraged students to critically think about and evaluate Trump's presidency.

3. Additional Materials (1 minute):

   • The teacher concludes the lesson by suggesting additional materials for students who are interested in further exploring the topic. This can include books, documentaries, news articles, or podcasts about Trump's life and presidency.
   • The teacher can recommend books like "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" by Michael Wolff, "Fear: Trump in the White House" by Bob Woodward, or "The Making of Donald Trump" by David Cay Johnston.
   • They can also suggest documentaries like "Trump: An American Dream" or "Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump" for a visual understanding of the topic.

4. Relevance to Everyday Life (1 - 2 minutes):

   • The teacher ends the lesson by emphasizing the importance of the topic for everyday life. They explain that understanding Trump's presidency is not just about learning history, but also about understanding the present and shaping the future.
   • The teacher can discuss how Trump's policies have impacted areas like healthcare, immigration, and trade, and how these issues continue to be debated today.
   • They can also highlight the importance of critical thinking and understanding different perspectives, skills that are not only relevant in history class but also in everyday life, from understanding news to making informed decisions.
   • The teacher thanks the students for their participation and encourages them to continue exploring and learning about the world around them.