Sample Activities

Civics Standard Four - Grades 9-12

During an election year, students might examine the mans by which candidates make their views known to the voters. They might monitor the frequency and types of candidate appearances (debates, interviews, etc.) and the type of media coverage they receive. Students could also monitor the costs of campaigns at various levels (i.e., local, state, national offices). Each student might track one candidate, and the class rests could be compared after the election is over [Participation].

Students might analyze an issue of local importance and write an editorial or letter to the editor suggesting a solution (e.g., modification of the Coastal Zone Act, proposed user's fee for local recreational facilities, adoption of a building code) [Participation].

Parent Partnership Project: Students could conduct research into family and neighborhood voting patterns, determining who is registered to vote, who votes, and what kinds of elections draw the largest turn-out [Participation].

to Civics Standard Four.