Lesson Plans
Electoral College: Does Your Vote for President Count?
Students work in groups to analyze an historical newspaper article then investigate to understand the historical context of the Electoral College and consider its strengths and weaknesses. After, students continue their work together to investigate and opine on the pros and cons of the Electoral College today and possible solutions for reform.
Identifying Bias in Presidential Election Newspaper Coverage
Students analyze historical primary sources to identify bias and investigate the role newspapers played in shaping public attitude toward the 1912 presidential candidates. Next, students team up to find newspaper coverage (print or digital) of a contemporary presidential election, analyze the sources for bias, and then compare and contrast their historical and contemporary findings. Finally, students communicate their newfound understandings of presidential election newspaper coverage bias through a short written essay, a digital timeline, or a print or digital poster.
Absentee Voting & Voting by Mail
Students study historical primary sources to gain context and perspective regarding absentee voting, including voting by mail, throughout U.S. history. After, students can investigate election voting laws and issues related to absentee voting and voting by mail to help them craft an editorial in support of or against these practices.
Technology & Presidential Nominating Conventions
Students analyze primary sources and other resources from 1928, 1960, and 2020 to investigate and consider the impact changes in technology had on presidential nominating conventions. After, students envision future technologies and how they might be used to impact future presidential elections.
Presidential Election Campaigns: Goal!
Students investigate presidential elections in the early 20th century, then read contemporary newspaper articles related to contemporary presidential election campaigns from different ends of the political spectrum and present their learning through creation of a modern political cartoon.
Presenting Party Platforms
Students compare and contrast presidential party platforms and consider how the presentation of information can affect the electorate.
Election Day
Students explore, compare, and contrast historical and contemporary reflections about elections in America.