Curated OER
The Election
Students participate in an election. They are asked to vote for one of four candidates without knowing who they are or what they stand for. Students gain an important lesson when voting to make sure that security of freedom and...
Curated OER
Religion and the Environment
Students consider the role of environmentalists in the United States. In this political issues lesson, students compare and contrast the evangelical vote in the U.S. with the liberal vote as they read selected articles and watch Moyers...
Curated OER
POLITICS AND RELIGION: Targeting Faith When It Counts
Students research current articles about the influence of religion on the presidential election of 2004.
Curated OER
A More Perfect Union: Women's Suffrage and the Constitution
Students reflect on the pros and cons of Women's Suffrage and it was viewed during the late 1800's. In this history lesson plan, students will analyze documents on women's suffrage so that they can compare and contrast the rights...
Curated OER
Democracy and Representative Government
Students complete a worksheet about the government and identify the characteristics of different governments. In this government lesson plan, students define representative democracy and complete a worksheet.
Curated OER
Death and Taxes
Students explore the "death tax" and analyze statistical information about how the government taxes dead people. They research sources to determine the validity of a anti-tax group campaign and John McCain's claims about taxes. ...
Curated OER
South Africa: Revolution at the Ballot Box
Pupils explore apartheid. In this South Africa instructional activity, students discover details regarding apartheid and determine how the black majority suffered under apartheid. Pupils discuss why the white minority...
Curated OER
Why Bother To Vote In Florida?
Fifth graders gain knowledge about the Florida 2000 Presidential Election, proposed changes in the process, and to practice communication skills, including listening and speaking. This lesson really gets at the heart of the changes made...
Curated OER
Elections for Elementary Students
Students explore various websites that explain how primaries, caucuses, and general elections function. They view sample ballots, and analyze the executive branch, U.S. presidents, and citizenship.
Curated OER
Why Don't People Vote?
Fourth graders conduct an investigation about the subject of voting. They attempt to answer the essential question of, "Why should someone vote in the first place?" The information is used to help students to develop critical thinking...
Curated OER
Social Demographics and Election Statistics
Students identify the type of data contained in a spreadsheet. They manipulate a spreadsheet of presidential election returns. Students develop the skills to use the Microsoft Excel program.
Curated OER
Proportional Representation: A Fairer Voting System?
Tenth graders work as a grade to conduct a mock election. They tally votes in two different systems and discuss if proportional representation or straight counting of votes leads to a fairer outcome.
Curated OER
The 2004 Presidential Election
Students examine the 2004 Presidential election between George W. Bush and John Kerry. Using a variety of primary source documents, they discover where the candidates stood on the issues. In groups, they create a tableau in which they...
Curated OER
Teacher's Guide to 2008 Presidential Election Issues: The Economy
Students discuss the 2008 Presidential election. They examine the significant issues of the election and focus on the economy. Students study the major issues with the economy. Students decide how they feel about each canidates' views...
Curated OER
Voting Adventure
Students discover the requirements they need to be able to vote in a democracy. Using that information, they discuss the importance of voting in an election. They use the Internet to analyze voter participation numbers in their county....
Curated OER
Evaluation of Election Process
High schoolers examine the procedures to elect the President of the United States. In groups, they create their own political cartoon presenting a consensus of their point of views on the process. They identify the strengths and...
Curated OER
Candidate Debate; Making Informed Voting Decisions
Students study the concept of what it means to be an informed voter who makes conscientious voting decisions based on significant information. In this making informed voting decisions lesson plan, students are introduces...
Curated OER
VOTING
Students discuss 'The importance of voting'. They elect 5 candidates - each representing one of the five values. Each candidate presents a case why their value is important. The other class members then vote for whichever value/candidate...
Curated OER
Presidential Election 2004: Five Presidents' Calls for War
Students examine five president's reasons for entering into a war. Using the text, they answer questions and discuss their answers with the class. They also examine President Bush's reasons for going to war in Iraq and how that...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Electoral College Philosophical Chairs Debate
Because of the Electoral College, it is possible to win the popular vote in a US Presidential election and still lose the election. After researching the pros and cons of the Electoral College, class members engage in a structured debate...
Museum of the Moving Image
Political Ads in Historical Context
Campaign ads target both timely issues and general themes. Presidential campaign ads from 1952 and 1988 provide class members an opportunity to compare how the topics ads choose to address can dramatically influence election outcomes.
Deliberating in a Democracy
Youth Curfews
Don't stay out too late! Scholars analyze the need for youth curfews in a democratic society. They examine primary documents, case studies, and short video clips to form their opinions and take a position on the issue. Holding a class...
NPR
Same-Sex Marriage
The battle over same-sex marriage is a prevalent issue in the United States, and a valuable topic to be discussed in your social studies classroom. Here is a basic outline of introductory questions, focus questions, vocabulary, and media...
Curated OER
Rural Communities Make a Difference
High schoolers research what analysts say influenced Ohio voters in a Presidential election and discuss what that meant in the election, especially in Ohio. Students use provide Internet sources for research.