Scheer is a magician as well as a showman, and he connects excellently with the kids. The program is geared for Kindergarten through fifth grade. Scheer travels within a three-hour drive of Metro Detroit, and the price for the service is very reasonable. Students are able to participate in an election, based on issues that have or will be put before the Michigan legislature at one time or another. Each ballot allows the student to be in a drawing for prizes from community merchants.
Teachers get into the act by giving credit to anyone who participates and can show proof of voting.
The following is from the second edition of Close Up Alumni News , an announcement list published eight times a year by the Close Up Foundation , the nation's largest civic education organization. Buchanan, Michigan, and Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Students in Michigan and Canada visit each other's communities and homes while discussing issues of violence facing both nations, coming up with solutions to violence, and meeting with officials in both communities. Macomb Intermediate School District students will learn firsthand how a bill becomes a law as they participate in a mock Congress, meet with their congressional representatives, and increase their confidence to become more involved in the civic life of their communities. Students will research topics such as the role of the citizen through U.S. history, guidelines for good conduct and behavior, the role philanthropic organizations and individuals play in shaping our society, and environmental issues.