12th Grade  Project 4 weeks

Teen Vote Quest: Lowering the Voting Age!

Ari D
Updated
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
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Purpose

This project engages students in exploring the history and constitutionality of voting rights, while fostering their understanding of civic responsibilities. Through examining real-world cases and collecting community insights, students sharpen their critical thinking and communication skills, tailored to the expectations of their grade level. Interactive experiences, such as the Teen Voice Forum and collaborative peer review sessions, emphasize meaningful participation and informed discussions about civic matters.

Learning goals

The project will develop critical thinking and persuasive communication skills, as students explore the history and implications of voting rights and construct informed arguments about lowering the voting age. Students will enhance their research abilities by analyzing case studies and conducting surveys, using data analysis to support their legislative briefs. Through peer review and reflection, students will improve their ability to articulate nuanced arguments and engage in meaningful discussions on civic engagement. The project will also enrich their understanding of civic processes and the emotional impact of historical voting changes, fostering a comprehensive view of their community's perspectives.

Competencies
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create age-appropriate visual presentations that argue for or against the constitutionality and civic impact of lowering the voting age to sixteen, integrating simplified historical analysis and community perspectives. They will use creative posters to present key events in voting rights history. Through class surveys and discussions, they will gather opinions and present their findings in these visuals. Reflections on civic engagement will be captured through guided journaling activities. Finally, students will host a class mock forum to present their arguments and reflections to peers and teachers.

Launch

Begin the project with an interactive 'Teen Voice Forum,' where students invite local teenagers to join them for a discussion on civic engagement and voting reform. As co-facilitators, students will guide the dialogue, gathering real-life insights and perspectives that will spark their interest and set the foundation for their legislative brief. This engagement allows students to connect directly with the issues at hand and experience firsthand the dynamics of public discourse and differing viewpoints.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their work at a youth-focused Civic Participation Fair, presenting their legislative briefs to peers, community members, and educators. They will share findings through engaging displays and simplified presentations tailored for younger audiences. An interactive segment will allow participants to explore the historical context and implications of lowering the voting age, using creative visuals or role-playing to illustrate key concepts. A reflection wall will encourage visitors to express their thoughts on civic engagement and voting rights.