Sample Lesson - Win the White House!

Lesson Title: Win the White House! 
 
Illinois Social Science Standards:

• SS.CV.1.4: Distinguish the responsibilities and powers of government officials at the local, state, and national levels.
• SS.CV.2.4: Explain how a democracy relies on people’s responsible participation, and draw implications for how individuals should participate. 
• SS.CV.3.4: Identify core civic virtues (such as honesty, mutual respect, cooperation, and attentiveness to multiple perspectives) and democratic principles (such as equality, freedom, liberty, and respect for individual rights) that guide our state and nation.

Learning Objectives: 

• Students will be able to explain the United States' electoral process for president
• Students will be able to identify how specific decisions produce larger outcomes and consequences in complex systems 

Essential Questions: 

• What are political parties? Why do they exist?
• What is required to make a successful run for president? 
• How do voters decide which candidate they will vote for? 

Materials Needed: 

• Internet access 
• laptops or tablets
• iCivics.org accounts
• writing supplies

Time Required: 

60 minutes

Lesson:

Warm up: Class Discussion on Prior Knowledge. Teacher will query students on their prior knowledge, asking questions such as:

• What do candidates have to do to get elected?
• Why do candidates have to fundraise as part of a campaign? 
• How do candidates choose campaign issues?
• Why is voting important?

Activity: Students will log into iCivic.org and play "Win the White House." While playing, students will note important decisions they made, important turning points in the game, and questions they have about the presidential process. 

Debrief: Once all students have completed the game, the teacher will lead a whole class discussion, covering student questions, questions asked before the activity,  as well as other questions, regarding topics such as campaign strategy, media influence, and information systems voters use to make their decisions. 

 
Homework/Assessment: Students will write a reflection on the lesson, arguing what five qualities they think a quality candidate possesses as well as an explanation of each. Students will be asked to make connections between this lesson and current events taking place in the presidential election.