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E-Learning

Home > Lesson Planning Channel > Lesson Planning Archives > Math > Lesson Planning Article

LESSON PLANNING ARTICLE

Return to Election Day: Classroom Activities

Return to Election 2008 Lesson Plans

Take a Stand!

Subjects

Language Arts

Civics

Current Events

Grade

3-5

6-8

9-12

Brief Description

Students take a unique approach to a classroom discussion/debate of the election process!

Objectives

Students share their opinions on an issue using a discussion/debate approach. They formulate a clear written statement of their opinions.

Keywords

debate, opinion, discussion, critical thinking

Materials Needed

four posters, each labeled in large letters with one of the following: Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree

a teacher-generated list of statements about the election process

writing paper and pencils

Lesson Plan

Place a poster in each corner of the room. Then read a statement, and tell students to go to the corner that best describes how they feel about that statement. Here are some examples of statements:

All Americans should be required to vote.

People should be allowed to vote on the Internet.

Candidates should spend the same amount of money on campaigns.

The two-party system in the United States does not allow third parties to gain a foothold in the Electoral College system.

The power of special-interest groups in American politics is too great. Encourage students to voice their opinions from their respective corners. Then have each group gathered in response to a statement work together to write a clear statement explaining their position.

Assessment

Evaluate students on their ability to state their opinions and on their position statements.

Lesson Plan Source

Education World (adapted from a lesson from PBS: The Democracy Project)

National Standards

Social Sciences:
NSS-C.K-4
NSS-C.5-8
NSS-C.9-12

Language Arts:
NL-ENG.K-12.5
NL-ENG.K-12.8

Originally published 07/31/2000
Last updated 02/25/2009