There is plenty to talk about in this election cycle, but it may seem challenging to discuss some of the particulars in your classroom.
Whether you teach the early grades or high school seniors, you may wish to focus on the election process rather than the specific slings and arrows of this election.
Discovery Education has a robust selection of resources to help your students learn about the election process so they can be educated and informed voters or future voters.
Join us for a Virtual Viewing Party on Election Day, November 8, at 1:00 PM (ET). Find out more and register.
Suggested Resources
Election Day Content Collection
Content Collection, Grades K-12
An election is the act or process of voting to choose someone for a public office. In the United States, Election Day is the day set by law for general elections and is held on the Tuesday immediately following the first Monday in November. Featuring resources selected and created by Discovery Education’s curriculum experts, this content collection offers lesson starters, video clips, articles, and more.
How to Become the President of the United States
Video, Grades 3-5, 6-8
Examines the qualifications required for a citizen to become president of the United States. The program details the history of the United States and the formation of the Constitution, revealing why there are three branches of government. The program also explores the role of the Electoral College, the formation of political parties, and the process of being elected as a presidential candidate.
Presidential Election 2016Teacher-Created Board, Grades K-5
For younger students, use this teacher-created Board to provide an overview of the presidential election process and president requirements.
SOS Strategy: Tweet, Tweet!
Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
For better or worse, this election is heavily tweeted. The candidates are tweeting, the populace is tweeting, the campaigns are tweeting, everyone is tweeting! Have students get in on the tweeting action by using the strategy Tweet, Tweet! Students engage with media and discussion and then summarize their new knowledge in the form of 140-character or less tweet-like communications.
Chase the Race in School
The Chase the Race series features a collection of short videos about many different aspects of the election process. Empower your students to discuss the media’s role in politics or explain the Electoral College at the dinner table – sure to impress!
Chase the Race: Money, Media, and Debates
Video, Grades 6-12
Money, Media, and Debates takes a look at the media’s role in the presidential election. The program explains how candidates use the media to reach a large amount of voters.
Chase the Race: The Popular Vote and Electoral College
Video, Grades 6-8, 9-12
Chase the Race: The Popular Vote and Electoral College covers a number of topics related to the voting process in the United States. The program delves into why every vote matters and examines the difference between the popular and electoral vote.
Youth Leadership Initiative:
Mock Election Tool
Many students wish they had a voice in the elections and are impatiently waiting to turn 18 so they can vote. How about treating them to a mock election? Our colleagues at the Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI), a program of the UVA Center for Politics, has curated election resources and is running a mock election.
Youth Leadership Initiative: Mock Election
Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Each year, YLI conducts the largest, secure, student-only, online mock election in the nation, using electronic ballots tailored to each student’s home legislative district. Sign up with YLI for your students to participate! Election runs from October 17 – 27, 2016.