Curriculum Correlation Lesson Plans:
Middle School Social Studies

Grade Level: 6-8

Content Area: Social Studies

Framework: Civics and Government

Content Standard(s):

• The student will gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become contributing citizens in our participatory democracy.

Content Area Learning Expectations:

• Understand the need to be informed on current issues to select effective leaders
  
• Demonstrate an appreciation for the rights and opinions of others
  
• Identify and apply methods by which democratic groups and institutions function
  
• Appreciate the state and nation's cultural diversity

Assessment Link:
Civics and Govt. Perspectives - basic concepts, purpose of govt., democratic processes/structures, and process/investigation

Computer Technology Standard(s):

• The student will use a variety of technologies to improve classroom learning, increase productivity, and support creativity
  
• The student will use technology as a tool to conduct and evaluate research and to communicate effectively information and ideas

Information Literacy Standard(s):

• The student will access information efficiently and effectively
• The student will use information accurately and creatively
  
• The student will evaluate information critically and competently

Database: InfoTrac Junior Edition

Procedures:

1. Access InfoTrac Junior Edition
   
2. Select subject search
   
3. Enter the subject voting
   
4. Select the reference entries and the newspaper and periodical articles
   
5. View articles

Outcome:

This search will yield reference excerpts and periodical articles that discuss various aspects of voting.

Related Activities:

1. Make a poster illustrating the reasons to register to vote. Arrange for the posters to be displayed at local businesses for two weeks before voter registration ends.
   
2. Make a poster illustrating the reasons to vote. Arrange for the posters to be displayed at local businesses during the election season.
   
3. Select an issue currently being considered by local or national legislators. Make posters outlining the major points of the debate or visually showing the situation. Have students register to vote during one week; hold vote on another week. Involve entire school or grade level in the vote. Write a letter from the class to the legislator summarizing the results. Send a copy to the local newspaper.
   
4. Visit the local election commission to view a voting machine, see charts of voting districts, and/or listen to presentations by officials and clerks on civil court procedures.