AP Thematic Lens — American Identity and Politics and Power¶
Learning Objective¶
Students classify events from the founding era under the appropriate AP thematic lens and explain why each event illustrates that theme.
- Bloom Level: Apply (L3)
- Bloom Verb: Classify
- Library: p5.js
Preview¶
Specification¶
The full specification below is extracted from Chapter 5: Founding the Republic (1783–1800).
Type: infographic
**sim-id:** ap-thematic-lenses-ch5<br/>
**Library:** p5.js<br/>
**Status:** Specified
Purpose: Introduce two AP U.S. History thematic lenses — American and National Identity, and Politics and Power — and allow students to connect events from this chapter to each lens through an interactive mapping exercise.
Bloom Level: Apply (L3)
Bloom Verb: Classify
Learning Objective: Students classify events from the founding era under the appropriate AP thematic lens and explain why each event illustrates that theme.
Canvas layout:
- Responsive width; height approximately 480px
- Two large columns: "American and National Identity" (left) and "Politics and Power" (right)
- Each column has a brief definition at the top and an event-drop zone below
- A pool of draggable event chips at the bottom: Washington's Farewell Address, Alien and Sedition Acts, Bill of Rights, Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, Three-Fifths Compromise, Electoral College, First Amendment, National Bank Debate
Each event chip can be dragged into either (or both) columns. On release:
- If placed correctly (pre-defined correct answers allow for multiple valid placements): green confirmation with a 1-sentence explanation of why this event fits the theme
- If placed in a plausible but less obvious category: amber message explaining the connection
- "Show all connections" button reveals the full mapping with explanations
Lens definitions shown at column tops:
- American and National Identity: How Americans have defined national identity, debated who belongs, and constructed narratives about what America means
- Politics and Power: How political institutions, parties, and actors have competed for power, shaped policy, and responded to crises
Color scheme:
- American Identity column: gold/amber tones
- Politics and Power column: indigo tones
- Event chips: white cards with dark text
- Correct placement: green border confirmation
- Plausible alternative: amber border
Responsive behavior: Below 600px, columns stack; drag-and-drop still works.
Implementation: p5.js with drag-and-drop interaction