Hand students real-world Great Depression scenarios and make them decide which New Deal agency would have stepped in to help.
 
In this structured sorting activity, students analyze fictional but historically grounded case scenarios from the 1930s and determine which New Deal relief agency—such as the CCC, WPA, or Social Security—would have addressed each situation. Instead of memorizing acronyms, students apply their understanding of each agency’s purpose and impact.
The activity builds clarity around how New Deal programs actually functioned while strengthening classification and reasoning skills.
 
What’s Included:
13 Fictional Great Depression case scenarios
Agency reference sheet outlining major New Deal programs
Sorting activity (print + Google Docs friendly)
Follow-up analysis and justification questions
 
What Students Will Learn:
Identify the purpose and function of major New Deal relief agencies
Apply historical knowledge to real-world scenarios
Distinguish between relief, recovery, and reform programs
Explain their reasoning using historical evidence
Strengthen classification and cause-and-effect thinking
 
Grade Level: 7–12
Duration: 1 class period
DOK Level 2
Format: Paper