Media and Advertising Links
Ad*Access
Images and database information for over 7,000 advertisements printed in U.S. and Canadian newspapers and magazines between 1911 and 1955. Five main subject areas: Radio, Television, Transportation, Beauty and Hygiene, and World War II
Adbusters Culture Jammers
From the folks who bring us "Buy Nothing Day," ads against ads, or, more properly, against the materialistic mindset. A good site for showing students a contrasting point of view.
Adflip.com
"The world's largest archive of classic print ads" from 1940 to the present. Easy to navigate by decade or category, and an interesting measure of the American psyche.
Advertisement Ave.
Top 50-rated television ads, browsable by category or searchable.
The Advertising Artwork of Dr. Seuss
An online collection of the ads that supported Theodore Geisel before he became Dr. Seuss.
Campaign Ads
An interactive learning environment where presidential campaign ads are entry points to learn about campaign issues and their historical context, as well as the persuasive techniques and strategies that are part of political campaigns.
Campaigns That Have Made A Difference
Do public service announcements have an impact? These did. Check campaigns dating back to 1942, including Smokey the Bear, Iron Eyes Cody, and the crash test dummies.
Don't Buy It, Get Media Smart
This site is sponsored by PBS and designed for upper-elementary-level students. Kids learn about advertising tricks and how to "buy smart." Interdisciplinary, standards-based activities are available on the Teacher page.
Emergence of Advertising in America: 1850-1920
This database presents examples of advertising. It is browsable by category or searchable.
Fact vs. Opinions in Advertisements
Students develop criteria for determining statements of opinion and practice discerning statements of opinion in advertisements.
Finding Faulty Logic
Students analyze political ads and commercial ads, looking for generalizing, scare tactics, and exaggeration. This interactive lesson is designed for adult learners and may work with high school students, too.
Medicine and Madison Avenue
This collection holds about 600 American ads for health-related products produced from about 1910 to about 1950. Don't miss the "suggestions for classroom use."
The Merchants of Cool
The Frontline documentary has been broken into 6 segments for easier online viewing. Follow the link to find a teacher guide.
The Persuasion Project
Designed for high school, this project asks students to investigate to persuasive techniques of several advertisements from the same company.
The Power of Advertising: Big Tobacco vs. Anti-Smoking Campaigns
Students "take a critical look at how tobacco companies have marketed their products over the years. [They] also check out the leading anti-smoking campaign's efforts, and compare their tactics in swaying the public's health choices."
Student Meets the Real World
Students research a local business or organization, then design and present an advertising/promotional package for them. Includes checklist and rubric. This document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible application for access.
Team up for Sports Marketing!
Students create a marketing campaign for a sports team. They create press releases, business cards, and ads or commercials, all using advertising techniques they have studied.
Understanding the Media: Movie Posters
Students analyze movie posters for persuasive technique.
Watching the Watchers
Students identify, explore, and analyze the effects of their daily exposure to advertising. This lesson includes reading an article from the New York Times and looking at examples explicit and subtle advertising.