First, decide as a class on an issue on which to vote. The teacher or a student volunteer tallies the results of all of the ballots on the blackboard. The teacher then places the ballots back in the box. To test the findings, try this procedure for several different issues. Students ask three adults to complete a brief survey regarding the issues discussed in this lesson.
Students bring the results to the next class, tally the results, and discuss their findings.
Students will be evaluated based on responses to journal questions, participation in classroom poll and discussions, and completed survey responses. They can then calculate the results and post them in a display area of the school. Students can investigate recent poll totals and analyze the breakdown of voters by race, gender, age, and wealth. Students can calculate recent poll percentages based on the socioeconomic and racial backgrounds of voters. They can also trace a political candidate's standing in the polls during an election period.