Countdown to November
Grades 6–8
This lesson can be taught in 4–6 class periods and can be continued through the school year.
Lesson Introduction:
Middle school students will explore the process that leads to the national election in November. Through group research projects, students will learn about the history of U.S. elections, the primary system, the role of Party Conventions, Election Day, and Life as President.
Background:
Before you begin your unit on �Countdown to November,� direct your students to the following Scholastic News Online Election 2004 articles, or provide printouts to read as homework:
In class the following day, conduct a group discussion using these Discussion Starters:
- What are some of the first steps a person must take to run for President?
- What are political parties? What purpose do they serve?
- What is the importance of raising money?
- Name some of the key qualities a candidate must have when running for President.
After this discussion, tell students that the class will break out into groups to research the election process and how to run for President. Hand students the KWL chart (PDF) and instruct them to fill out the chart as they start their research.
The class will be divided into groups to cover these topics:
How to Run for President:
This student research group will take on the role of creating a mock campaign team. Assign team members the roles of:
- Candidate
- Campaign Manager
- Fund-raiser
- Press Secretary
- Volunteers
Using the Election 2004 articles on Scholastic News Online as the foundation, invite students to research the importance of and responsibilities of each campaign member. Make sure they include why they are key to the process of having their candidate elected.
Following their research, ask team members to present their roles to the class. Encourage students to �wear the hat� of their assigned campaign member and speak in first person during their presentations.
Kid Reporters Cover the Election, Live From the Conventions,
Countdown to Election Day:
A lot can happen to the candidates from week to week. In this research group, you will assign students to be reporters covering current events during the countdown to November.
Using the Election 2004 articles on Scholastic News Online as
a resource, invite students to present weekly reports on what
is taking place as the election heats up. Students should pay
attention to the section of Election 2004, which is being promoted
at the time. Scholastic editors will be updating:
- Kid Reporters Cover the Election From January 2004–June 2004
- Live From the Conventions From June 2004–September 2004
- Countdown to Election Day From May 2004–November 2004
Content will be added to each Special Report throughout the election,
however, emphasis will be on the current Special Reports, according
to the above dates.
As they create their reports, encourage students to consider the following:
- What issues are current topics of interest?
- Who are the polls saying is currently the favored candidate?
- Have any campaign team members dropped out/joined in?
- What kinds of political advertisements are the candidates presenting?
- How are candidates being received by the international community?
- Who have the candidates chosen to be their running mate/cabinet
members?
When students present their reports, have them take on the tone and demeanor of an actual TV news reporter. This will allow the students to explore the role and responsibilities of journalism.
Students can present their news reports on Scholastic News Radio: Kid to Kid News by calling the free hotline 1-866-370-7720.
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