Title – The Election Connection – Map the Vote

By – P. Lindstrom

Primary Subject – Social Studies

Grade Level – 5-7

Purpose: The purpose of this lesson is to allow students a first-hand look at the electoral process and the power of individual states and their own states.

Each student will be given their own blank map, students color each state red or blue according to the 2000 elections or the most recent elections. On each state they will write the amount electoral votes held by each state. Additionally they will answer the following questions in class: Which state has the most electoral votes? Which has the least? They will also compare the popular vote in each state. The answers will be sought using technology via the internet.

Anticipatory Set: Easy and fun day tomorrow class! We will be coloring and surfing the net!

EALR’s: Civics

1.1 Understand and interpret major ideas set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and other foundational documents.

4. The student understands the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the principles of democratic civic involvement.

Materials Needed: Internet access, State Electoral handout from instructor, color pencils or crayons.

Sequence of Lesson: Each student will be given their own blank map; students color each state red or blue according to the 2000 or recent elections.

On each state they will write the amount electoral votes held by each state. Additionally they will answer the followingquestions in class:

Which state has the most electoral votes? Which has the least? They will also compare and contrast the popular vote versus the electoral vote in each state. The answers will be sought using technology via the internet.

Assessment:

• Participation in class discussion 50%
• Colored Map 30%
• ability to search the Net for answers 20%

E-Mail

P. Lindstrom

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