The lesson plan below is intended to work with elections covered by ProCon, but may be adapted to work with other elections.
Objective:
Students will research a candidate’s position over time.
Students will:
- enhance research skills
- learn policy research
Resources/Materials:
- ProCon.org election coverage
- Suggested: a list of resources for possible research (ex: senate.gov)
Preparation:
- Teachers may want to make a list of suggested topics.
- Teachers may want to compile a list of resources for students to use for research.
- This activity may be completed individually or in small groups.
- This activity may be completed in a wired classroom or for homework.
- This activity may be completed as a written assignment or for an in-class presentation.
Activity:
- Assign or have students choose a topic from 2020election.procon.org.
- Assign or have students choose a 2020 candidate.
- Students should state the candidate’s position on this issue (ex: Candidate X supports raising the minimum wage).
- Students should then do research to form a historical picture of the candidate’s position. For example, a candidate who is a senator may have voted on the topic, suggested a bill, or spoken against legislation. Students may examine public records, social media accounts, articles and books written by the candidates, as well as other relevant documents.
Evaluation:
- Research ability
- Finished product: quality of writing assignment or class presentation
