election

*Note to all parents: The intent of this project is for students to understand how the candidates running for President ultimately reach the Whitehouse. This project will be completed with the support of the classroom teachers, and the computer teacher. In accordance with the Computer Technology Frameworks Integration this project's overall objective is to integrate social studies and computer technology based on the New York State Elementary Social Studies Learning Standards. This curriculum was written by Alexandra White, a fifth grade teacher and Lesley Kalish, elementary computer specialist at Cantiague Elementary School.

Countdown To The 2004 Presidential Election

Students will be introduced to the project "Countdown To The 2004 Presidential Election" by the classroom teacher. This unit of study will be further enhanced in the computer room to ensure optimum understanding of the Presidential process. Students will be encouraged to read newspaper articles relating to the election, watch televised debates, view campaign advertisements, and log on to their classroom and home computers to visit pre-approved websites.

Classroom Lesson # 1

Students will review the Consitutional amendments and websites listed below to learn the criteria necessary to run for president.
Students will also review vocabulary terms associated with the election.

Computer Lab Lesson # 1 - "Inspiration Web"

Students will create an inspiration web using the below listed websites to learn about the Republican and Democratic Candidates.
- Meet George W. Bush
- More on George W. Bush
- Meet John Kerry
- More on John Kerry

Classroom Lesson # 2

Students will read "Time For Kids" and Scholastic articles describing the process to become President. Students will discuss the six major events of a Presidential Campaign; Announcement, Primaries/Caucuses, Convention, Debates, Election day, Inauguration day. In addition, they will visit the websites listed below to gather more information. Students will draft a timeline describing each step in the process for running for President.
- Road To The Whitehouse
- Steps leading to the Whitehouse

Computer Lab Lesson # 2 - "Timeliner"

Using the timeline drafts completed in the classroom students will use the software program "Timeliner" to create and print timelines detailing the six major events of a Presidential Campaign.

Classroom Lesson # 3

Students will explore the range of views on the key issues involved in the November election such as civil rights, defense, environment, health care, homeland security, international policy, social issues and taxes and spending. Students will use the website listed below to compare and contrast the Presidential Candidates' views.
- Presidential Issues

Computer Lab Lesson # 3 - "Excel"

Using Excel software students will create a table showing each candidate's stance on four out of the eight key issues.

Classroom Lesson # 4

Students will study the historical impact of television commercials on Presidential campaigns.
Students will study and identify the persuasive devices used in political commercials.
Students will collaborate with others in class and create a 30-second commercial in storyboard form.
- Election Commercials

Computer Lab Lesson # 4 - "Microsoft Word"

Students will visit the following political cartoon web sites and analyze one political cartoon regarding the election using Microsoft Word
- Political Cartoons
- More cartoons

Classroom Lesson # 5

Students will learn about the electoral process and how it works.
Students will review past elections when the electoral college has been the deciding factor in determing the outcome of the election.
Students will review the Constitutional amendments listed websites.

Computer Lesson # 5 - "Hyperstudio"

Students will use the US Map and the software "Hyperstudio" to fill in and legend the electoral votes of the United States according to the electoral predictors. In addition, students will identify battleground states.

Miscellaneous Internet Sites

Grolier

Election Site For Kids

Political Words

Current News On The Election

Concluding Lessons

Students will word process a reflective essay detailing the reasons why they think the candidate of their choice should win.
Students will vote in a mock election.

Assessment

Students will understand the election process.
Students will understand how the candidates running for President reach the Whitehouse.
Students will become familiar with "Inspiration."
Students will become familiar with "Timeliner."
Students will become familiar with "Excel."
Students will become familiar with "Microsoft Word."
Students will become familiar with "Hyperstudio."