Lesson Plan

Subject/Grade Level:

Lesson Title:

Lesson Duration:

6th Grade Gifted

How do we elect a United States President?

Unit: 3 weeks 1 hour

Performance Objectives:
Students will:
1. Understand the requirements to be President of the United States
2. Understand the basics of the electoral process
3. Analyze data collected from survey

Preparation
Framework Strand: ELA Standard: R1 6.7
MS CCR/CCSS: Grade: 06, 07, 08
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7
Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information
in print and digital texts.
ISTE: 4: Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making.
A: Investigate and discuss examples of how citizens participate in the political
process.
Instructional Aids: hand-outs, power point presentation, Plicker scan cards.
Materials Needed:
Smart Phone
Scan sheets for Plickers
Paper
Pencils
Computers with Internet access
Checklist and rubric provided in associated file
Equipment Needed:
Smart phone, computer and projector to show resources.
Desired Student Prerequisites: TSW research the election process. TTW create a
mind map using Bubbl.us.
Introduction/Anticipatory Set
TTW have students name a former president.
TTW have students write the name of each former president on a slip of paper. TSW put the slips in a
[Course Subject]: [Lesson Title] Plan
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box. TTW then ask each student to select a slip. TTW provide the time, websites, and resources for each
student to research the president and write a book of facts. TTW ask students to share their books so
everyone can learn about the presidents. The following Web sites will help students as they research: *
The presidents of the United States * Internet public library's POTUS Presidents of the United States
Lesson Outline/Procedures:

1. After reviewing each students book of facts, TTW discuss the

2016 election. TTW discuss the candidates and ask each
student who they believe is the best candidate for President.
TTW inquire how much the students know about the election
process.
2.

Show power point and You tube Video: How Do We Elect A

U.S. President. TTW pause for students to take notes.

3. TTW discuss the video. TTW divide the students into groups
of four. TTW hand out the Plicker scan sheets to check
students answers to video questions.

4.

Instructor Notes:
TTW issue out a
survey of presidential
candidates in order
for students to
perform a mock
election.
TTW provide
companion notes for
students to follow
along with video and
take notes on.
TTW instruct students
about Plickers and
how she plans to use
them to check
answers to video
questions.

TSW use the scan sheets to check for correct answers.

Application
Guided Practice:
1.

TTW explain to students that now that they have knowledge of the election process

3.

in the U.S., they will be showing this knowledge by holding their own election. TTW explain
TTW allow students to talk in pairs or small groups for two or three minutes about
which party they want to belong to and why. TTW explain that students may choose to pick
neither party and remain independent. Stress that you wish students to have solid reasons
for picking a party and candidate. Walk around the room to monitor these conversations. If
students are saying superficial things like his hair is cooler, remind students they need to
have substantial reasons for their choice.

4.

Once students are confident in their choice of party, TTW tell students that they will
now register to vote. TTW remind students that they do not have to vote for their party; they
are free to change their mind. TTW ask for one student volunteer to record the voter
registration, and if using voter registration cards, ask another student to complete this task.
TTW have the student recording the registration sit at a desk at the front of the room. This
student should have paper with one column for name (first, middle, and last) and another
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for party affiliation. (If collaborating with other classes, these students could visit the
classroom to complete their registration, or complete this process in their own classroom).
TTW ask this student volunteer to write down the name and affiliation of their classmates.
5.

If using the voter registration cards, have this student sit next to the recorder. They
will fill out the cards as students are registered and hand them their new card.

6.

Instruct the other students to make a single file line in front of the registration desk.
Tell students that when they get to the registrar, they will tell that student their full name
and party affiliation. Instruct them to return to their seats and sit quietly when finished to
allow everyone a chance to register.
Independent Practice:
TSW will demonstrate how a minimum of words and visuals can deliver a political message to the people.
Advertising is critical to a politicians campaign. TSW collect items from a nearby campaign headquarters
and bring them into class. TTW tell the students to notate how color and wording is used. Through
discussion they should see the commonality of presentation is few words and carefully chosen visuals.
What will grab the attention of your audience? TTW tell the students they must choose between a slogan,
a poster, a bumper sticker or a button. They should write a short paragraph why someone should choose
their candidate. Then, they need to translate this message onto a button or poster using a few words and
visuals that will send the efficient message.
Summary
Lesson Closure:
TSW take all of the information they collected and create a power point or Prezi
presentation. TSW share their power point presentations in class.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment/Review:
Pre-test: Election Process
Jeopardy quiz
Formal Assessment:
Use the checklist for participation in group research presentations and the rubric for group presentations
to assess the students' work.
Lesson Extension
Extension/Enrichment:
TTW have students track the result of the election by state or district and compare the outcomes to the
electoral map.
Accommodations/Differentiation:
TTW present their independent project using a variety of visual aids. TTW use an online text
reader for students who are visually and auditory impaired.
References:
http://election.scholastic.com/election-central/road-to-the-white-house/
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson331.shtml
http://www.congressforkids.net/games/Elections_eletionpres/2_electionofpresiden
t.htm
http://www.gardenofpraise.com/quadra.htm
http://www.breitlinks.com/pdfslibmedia/grade2presidentialelection.pdf
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[Course Subject]: [Lesson Title] Plan

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