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10th Grade
- Project
- 8 weeks
Local Power: Vote & Impact!
Purpose
This civics unit aims to deepen students' understanding of the significance of local politics and municipal elections, highlighting their impact on communities and society. Through hands-on collaboration with community partners, students will investigate the factors that influence local elections and develop actionable projects, such as voter guides, to educate and engage their peers and community members. The culmination of the unit will be a community exhibition that serves as both an educational event and a voter registration drive, fostering active civic participation and awareness.
Learning goals
Students will investigate the role and impact of local politics on community development and individual lives, fostering a deeper understanding of civic engagement. They will analyze municipal election processes and the factors influencing voter turnout and policy decisions. Through collaboration with community partners, students will develop communication and advocacy skills by creating a voter guide and organizing a community exhibition. This project aims to enhance critical thinking, research skills, and active participation in democratic processes.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
Products
Throughout the project, students will collaboratively develop a comprehensive voter guide that highlights key issues and candidates in upcoming municipal elections. This guide will be informed by research, interviews, and interactions with community partners like local universities and voter advocacy groups. By the end of the unit, students will present their voter guide at a community event, which will also serve as a voter registration drive, ensuring their work directly impacts civic engagement in their community.
Launch
Begin the unit with a visit to a local city council meeting or invite a city council member to speak about their role and the impact of municipal decisions on the community. This firsthand experience will spark curiosity and provide real-world context for the essential question, "Why do local politics matter?" Students can prepare questions in advance to engage actively and gain insights into the workings of local government.
Exhibition
Students will organize a community event that serves as both an exhibition of their voter guides and an interactive voter registration drive. This event will be held at a local community center or school auditorium and will feature student-led presentations on key local issues, as well as booths where attendees can learn about the municipal election process. Students will engage with community members, answer questions, and facilitate discussions to highlight the importance of local politics. The event will also provide opportunities for attendees to register to vote, with support from a partner organization like a local Get Out The Vote group.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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| Activities |
Introduction to Local Politics - Begin with a class discussion exploring the essential question 'Why do local politics matter?' and brainstorm initial ideas (20 min)
Guest Speaker Session - Host a local city council member to discuss their role and the impact of municipal decisions on the community (40 min)
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Reflective Journal - Write a reflection on the guest speaker session, noting key insights and personal opinions on the importance of local politics (20 min)
Research Local Government Structure - Work in pairs to research and create a visual diagram of the local government structure, highlighting roles and responsibilities (40 min)
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Local Issues Brainstorm - Collaborate in small groups to identify and list key issues currently affecting the local community (20 min)
Research Assignment - Begin individual research on one selected local issue, using digital resources and local news outlets to gather information (40 min)
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Research Synthesis - Share research findings with group members, compiling a comprehensive overview of the identified local issues (30 min)
Community Partner Introduction - Discuss potential community partners for the project, such as local universities or voter advocacy groups, and explore their roles (30 min)
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Voter Guide Planning - As a class, outline the structure and content of the voter guide, focusing on how it will educate the community on local issues and elections (30 min)
Team Assignments - Form teams and assign roles for research, writing, and design tasks related to the voter guide project (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Submit a reflection paper on the city council visit or speaker presentation, outlining key takeaways and personal insights.
2. Draft a proposal outlining the selected issue or topic for investigation, including initial research questions and objectives. |
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| Preparation |
1. Secure permission and arrange logistics for a visit to the local city council meeting or invite a council member to speak.
2. Prepare a list of guiding questions for students to use during the council meeting or speaker session. 3. Gather resources on recent municipal election results and local political issues for student research. 4. Organize students into small groups and establish group norms and roles for collaborative work. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Community Partner Research - Investigate potential community partners, such as local universities and voter advocacy groups, and compile a list of their missions and contact information (30 min)
Initiate Contact - Draft and send emails to selected community partners, introducing the project and proposing a collaboration (30 min)
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Understanding Voter Engagement - Analyze data on voter turnout in recent local elections to identify trends and potential barriers to participation (30 min)
Class Discussion - Discuss findings and brainstorm strategies to increase voter engagement in the community (30 min)
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Survey Design - Collaboratively create a survey to gather community opinions on local issues and the importance of voting (30 min)
Survey Distribution Plan - Develop a plan for distributing the survey to a diverse audience within the community (30 min)
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Effective Communication Workshop - Participate in a workshop on crafting persuasive messages to promote civic engagement (30 min)
Draft Survey Outreach Message - Work in pairs to draft messages encouraging community members to participate in the survey (30 min)
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Survey Deployment - Implement the survey distribution plan and begin collecting responses from the community (30 min)
Reflection and Adjustment - Reflect on the survey process and make any necessary adjustments to improve response rates (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Group visual presentation on local government structure and roles.
2. Individual report on identified local issues, including potential impacts and government involvement. |
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| Preparation |
1. Secure access to local government resources and websites for research purposes.
2. Prepare a list of suggested local news sources and community forums for students to explore. 3. Arrange a workshop session with a local community leader or government official who can provide insights into current local issues and governmental roles. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Analyzing Voter Turnout - Investigate factors affecting voter turnout in local elections through data analysis and case studies (40 min)
Group Discussion - Share insights on voter turnout analysis and discuss implications for local politics (20 min)
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Stakeholder Identification - Identify key stakeholders in municipal elections and discuss their roles and influences (30 min)
Interview Prep - Prepare questions for interviews with community partners and stakeholders, focusing on local election influences (30 min)
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Conduct Interviews - Interview local stakeholders or community partners to gather perspectives on municipal elections (40 min)
Reflective Debrief - Reflect on interview findings and discuss how stakeholder perspectives influence local politics (20 min)
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Research Group Collaboration - Collaborate with peers to integrate interview insights into the voter guide framework (30 min)
Mapping Influences - Create a visual map showcasing the influence of various stakeholders on municipal elections (30 min)
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Voter Guide Drafting - Begin drafting sections of the voter guide based on research and interviews, focusing on clear communication (30 min)
Peer Review Session - Exchange drafts with peers for feedback to ensure clarity and effectiveness of the voter guide (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Compiled Research and Interview Findings: By the end of the week, students will submit a comprehensive summary of their research findings and key insights from their interviews. This document will serve as a foundation for developing their voter guide.
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| Preparation |
1. Research Materials: Provide access to online databases, news articles, and local government resources to facilitate students' exploration of local issues.
2. Interview Equipment: Ensure students have access to recording devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets) and any necessary permissions for recording interviews. 3. Community Contact List: Collaborate with local community partners to create a list of potential interviewees and contact information, helping students schedule interviews. 4. Guidelines and Consent Forms: Provide guidelines on conducting interviews ethically and obtain any necessary consent or release forms for recording and sharing interview content. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Voter Guide Content Development - Begin drafting content for the voter guide, focusing on key local issues and candidate profiles (60 min)
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Peer Review Session - Exchange drafts with peers to provide and receive constructive feedback on voter guide content (30 min)
Revision Workshop - Revise content based on peer feedback to ensure accuracy and clarity (30 min)
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Design and Layout - Collaborate in teams to design the layout of the voter guide, choosing fonts, colors, and images that enhance readability and engagement (60 min)
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Community Partner Collaboration - Meet with community partners to share progress and gather additional insights or resources for the voter guide (30 min)
Finalize Voter Guide Content - Incorporate feedback from community partners and finalize the content for publication (30 min)
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Printing and Distribution Planning - Plan the printing and distribution of the voter guide, ensuring it reaches a wide audience in the community (30 min)
Reflection on Progress - Reflect on the week's accomplishments and set goals for the upcoming community exhibition (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Drafted sections of the voter guide, including written summaries and initial visual elements for at least one local issue.
2. A reflection piece on the insights gained from the guest speaker, focusing on integrating new perspectives into their work. |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange for a guest speaker from a local Get Out The Vote organization or a university faculty member to visit the class.
2. Gather resources and tools for creating informational graphics, such as access to design software or templates. 3. Prepare materials for the workshop on creating effective informational graphics, including examples and guidelines. 4. Ensure access to research databases or local government websites for students to gather accurate information on local issues. |
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| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Design Touches - Work in teams to refine the design and layout of the voter guide, ensuring it is visually appealing and user-friendly (30 min)
Proofreading Session - Conduct a thorough proofreading session of the voter guide content to ensure grammatical accuracy and consistency (30 min)
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Finalize Distribution Strategy - Collaborate as a class to finalize the strategy for distributing the voter guide across various community channels (30 min)
Community Outreach Preparation - Prepare outreach materials that will accompany the voter guide, such as social media posts and flyers (30 min)
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Printing and Assembly - Organize teams to handle the printing and assembly of the voter guides, ensuring quality control (40 min)
Digital Distribution Setup - Set up online platforms for digital distribution of the voter guide, ensuring accessibility (20 min)
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Community Partner Coordination - Coordinate with community partners to schedule and plan the upcoming exhibition and voter registration drive (30 min)
Public Speaking Practice - Conduct practice sessions for students to rehearse their presentations for the community exhibition (30 min)
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Mock Exhibition - Conduct a mock exhibition to simulate the community event, allowing students to practice their roles and receive feedback (40 min)
Feedback and Reflection - Reflect on the mock exhibition and gather feedback to make final adjustments before the actual event (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Draft sections of the voter guide: Students will complete preliminary drafts of sections of the voter guide, incorporating information on candidates and key issues. These drafts will be reviewed by peers and community partners for feedback.
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| Preparation |
1. Schedule interviews: Arrange for interviews with local election candidates, experts, or community leaders. Confirm dates, times, and locations to ensure smooth execution.
2. Provide access to research resources: Ensure students have access to online databases, local newspapers, and community surveys to support their research on candidates and issues. 3. Coordinate with community partners: Establish communication with community partners and schedule collaborative sessions to discuss research findings and receive feedback. 4. Prepare technology resources: Ensure availability of devices and internet access for students to conduct research and draft sections of the voter guide. |
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| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Finalize Presentation Content - Refine the content and key messages for presentations at the community exhibition, ensuring alignment with the voter guide (30 min)
Practice Presentation Skills - Engage in small group practice sessions to enhance public speaking skills and receive peer feedback (30 min)
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Visual Aids Creation - Design and create visual aids or multimedia components to accompany presentations, enhancing audience engagement (30 min)
Finalize Exhibition Materials - Ensure all exhibition materials, including voter guides and outreach materials, are ready for distribution (30 min)
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Exhibition Setup Planning - Plan the layout and logistics for the community exhibition, assigning roles and responsibilities to ensure smooth execution (30 min)
Rehearse Exhibitions - Conduct full rehearsals of presentations and exhibition roles, receiving feedback for final improvements (30 min)
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Community Partner Collaboration - Meet with community partners to finalize the exhibition schedule and confirm participation (30 min)
Final Adjustments - Make any necessary adjustments to presentations and exhibition plans based on feedback from rehearsals and partners (30 min)
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Exhibition Dry Run - Conduct a complete dry run of the exhibition with all elements in place, simulating the actual event for final tweaks (40 min)
Reflection and Goal Setting - Reflect on the preparation process and set personal goals for successful execution during the community event (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed interview transcripts or summaries that highlight key insights from local political figures or community leaders.
2. Draft sections of the voter guide, including initial research findings and proposed content layout. 3. Peer review feedback sheets that document suggestions for improvement and highlight strengths of the draft sections. |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange and schedule interviews with local political figures or community leaders, ensuring permissions and recording equipment are available.
2. Provide students with templates or guidelines for drafting their sections of the voter guide, focusing on structure and content requirements. 3. Set up peer review protocols, including rubrics for assessing draft sections and guidelines for providing constructive feedback. 4. Coordinate a meeting with the community partner to discuss exhibition logistics, including venue setup, promotional materials, and student roles during the event. |
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| Week 7 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Community Event Planning - Collaborate in teams to finalize the logistics and agenda for the community exhibition and voter registration drive (30 min)
Public Speaking Refinement - Practice presentation skills and refine speeches for the community event, focusing on clarity and engagement (30 min)
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Venue Setup Coordination - Plan the layout and setup of the venue for the community exhibition, including stations and presentation areas (30 min)
Exhibit Materials Preparation - Assemble and organize all materials and resources needed for the exhibition, ensuring accessibility and impact (30 min)
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Exhibition Rehearsal - Conduct a full rehearsal of the community event, simulating all aspects from presentations to audience interactions (40 min)
Feedback and Adjustments - Gather peer and teacher feedback on the rehearsal and make necessary adjustments to improve the flow of the event (20 min)
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Final Coordination Meeting - Meet with community partners and volunteers to confirm roles and responsibilities for the exhibition day (30 min)
Last-Minute Preparations - Address any remaining tasks or challenges to ensure a smooth and successful event (30 min)
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Exhibition Day - Host the community exhibition and voter registration drive, presenting voter guides and engaging with attendees (60 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed and finalized voter guide ready for printing and distribution.
2. Presentation materials and roles finalized for the community exhibition. |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to computers and design software for creating the voter guide.
2. Arrange for printing of the voter guide copies for distribution at the exhibition. 3. Coordinate with community partners to confirm details for the exhibition event. 4. Provide materials for creating presentation aids, such as posters or digital slides. 5. Set up schedule and space for peer review sessions within the classroom. |
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| Week 8 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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| Activities |
Exhibition Setup - Organize and set up the venue for the community event, ensuring all materials are in place and roles are assigned (30 min)
Final Presentation Rehearsal - Conduct a final rehearsal of presentations and exhibition activities, focusing on clarity and engagement (30 min)
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Community Event Execution - Host the community exhibition, presenting voter guides, engaging with attendees, and facilitating discussions on local issues (60 min)
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Event Debrief - Reflect on the community event, discussing successes and areas for improvement in teams (30 min)
Feedback Collection - Gather feedback from attendees and partners to assess the impact of the exhibition (30 min)
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Impact Assessment - Analyze feedback and evaluate the effectiveness of the voter guide and exhibition in promoting civic engagement (30 min)
Project Reflection - Individually reflect on personal growth and learning throughout the project, focusing on civic understanding and skills developed (30 min)
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Celebration and Acknowledgment - Celebrate the completion of the project, recognizing contributions and achievements of all participants (30 min)
Future Civic Engagement Planning - Discuss opportunities for continued civic involvement and how students can apply their learning in future community actions (30 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed and polished voter guide ready for distribution at the community exhibition.
2. Presentation materials prepared for the community exhibition, including slides, handouts, and speaking points. 3. Community exhibition and voter registration drive successfully organized and executed. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather final feedback from community partners to refine the voter guide.
2. Secure a venue for the community exhibition and ensure all necessary permits or permissions are obtained. 3. Coordinate with community partners, such as a Get Out The Vote organization, to provide resources and support for the voter registration drive. 4. Collect and prepare materials needed for presentations, such as projectors, microphones, and handouts. 5. Organize volunteers to assist with logistics and support during the community event. |
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