Educating our students about the complex world of government and policy can sometimes be a daunting task. However, one topic that can help make this process more engaging and approachable is the history and context of government cheese. By delving into this topic, students will learn about various aspects of government operations, economic policy decisions, and social welfare programs. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to teaching students about government cheese and its implications on society.
Background: A Brief History of Government Cheese
To teach students about government cheese, it is crucial to start with understanding its origin and historical context. Back in the 1930s, the United States was experiencing the Great Depression. As part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies, the federal government began buying excess dairy supplies to mitigate severe economic hardships faced by farmers.
This idea evolved over time, leading to the Agricultural Act of 1949, which effectively established a price support system for dairy products. By the 1980s, large surpluses of dairy products began piling up in warehouses due to changing market conditions. The U.S. government turned these surpluses into processed cheese blocks that were distributed to low-income families through food assistance programs. Thus, government cheese was born.
Lesson Plan Tips
When teaching students about government cheese, consider incorporating these elements into your lesson plan:
1. Start with understanding: Give your students a brief history of government cheese as outlined above.
2. Relate it to broader concepts: Discuss how this case study ties into broader concepts such as fiscal policy, price controls, and social welfare programs.
3. Encourage critical thinking: By discussing both sides of government intervention in markets through initiatives like price support systems and social programs, allow your students to analyze whether such interventions are necessary or beneficial based on their conclusions.
4. Use multimedia resources: To keep your students engaged, utilize multimedia resources such as photographs, videos, and newspaper articles to showcase the historical context and first-hand accounts of government cheese recipients.
5. Assignments and classroom activities: Implement a variety of assignments and activities that encourage students to delve deeper into the topic. For example, hold a debate on the pros and cons of government intervention in markets, have students create their own op-ed piece on the topic, or collaborate with classmates on presentations regarding economic implications or societal consequences.
6. Connect to current issues: Discuss similarities or differences between government cheese distribution and current food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
Conclusion
Teaching students about government cheese allows them to explore and understand the motivations, benefits, and drawbacks of various policies. By approaching the subject following the guide above, educators can engage their students in a meaningful discussion about an essential aspect of our society’s history. Furthermore, equipping them with critical thinking skills will empower them to make informed decisions as citizens in the future.
