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Big
Picture
During local or national elections, students
use computers as tools to collect and evaluate real-time, real-life
data. Throughout the campaign process, they unite and involve the
entire home and school community while introducing kindergarten and
primary students to the concept of informed voting. |
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Details
Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science,
Technology
Grades 5-8 |
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Highlights
Students organize in-school mock elections and examine
real-world political elections. Activities are aimed at teaching students
to: |
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Encourage full voting
participation. |
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Create and use a computer
database. |
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Design
and distribute questionnaires that gather relevant, quantifiable demographics. |
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Get information from organizations
by phone, visits, and Internet.
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Encouraging increased voter registration, older students distribute
unbiased balloting information to neighbors and parents. Participants
meet and interview election workers and sometimes even candidates.
They use post-election data from school and political contests to
analyze and share results with the school community.
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Teacher Profile
Linda is a computer teacher at the
Hurley Elementary School. Training teachers in computer and authoring
languages, software evaluation, and using the computer as a productivity
tool, this MetroLINC Technology Pioneer is also a consultant to urban
and suburban school systems.
lscott@boston.k12.ma.us
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Books and Materials
Brochures from local Election Department, League
of Women Voters material, campaign literature, periodical and newspaper
articles |
Technology Tools
Computers, ClarisWorks or Microsoft
Works, Internet |
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Special #1
Database Detectives Record Clues |
Special #2
Database Detectives Solve a Mystery |
Special #3
Database Detectives Hold an Election
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Value
When students get involved with
the election process, they understand the rights and responsibilities
of living in a democracy. This highly relevant format is easily shared
with younger students. It also addresses the role of technology in
the political process. Along with learning how information can be
collected, used, and manipulated, students learn the importance of
voting in a democratic society. |
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Linda
Scott
