Technology Integrated Lesson Plans

Lesson Plan Title		 Vote for ME!
Developed by Julie Farmen  (Cooperating Teacher) and Jacqueline Thompson (Student Teacher)
Subject Area Language Arts and Social Studies
Topic Current Events/Democratic Process
Grade Level 6-8
Lesson Summary      "Vote for Me!" is a five-day lesson geared for sixth through eighth graders that will teach or review how to write a persuasive speech using expressive, precise words and effective organization.  It will also give students experience using presentation technology to create a commercial that advertises their run for elective office.
Standards National Content Standards
English Language Arts Standards
4.  Adjust use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
8.  Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, and video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

Social Studies Standards (Middle Grades)
X.  Civic Ideals and Practices
      d.  practice forms of civic discussion and participation consistent with the ideals of citizens in a democratic republic.
 

National Educational Technology Standards
6.  Design, develop, publish, and present products (e.g., Web pages, videotapes) using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom.
Lesson Objectives Upon completion of instruction, the students will have:
  1. Used words that are vivid and precise, rather than general, and language that is appealing, memorable, and noteworthy.
  2. Organized the speech by including an inviting introduction, thoughtful transitions, logical sequencing, pacing that is under control and include a satisfying conclusion.
  3. Created a commercial for their campaigns by using presentation.
Assessment Students will be assessed on the campaign speech, sign, and PowerPoint presentation.  See Attachments below for the Scoring Guide.
Technology to be Used Students will use Mac or IBM computers to create presentations.  Those presentations can then be dubbed onto a VCR tape and saved/used as a television commercial.
Other Materials Pencils, paper, Student Friendly Guide to the Six+1 Traits, VCR tape
Procedural Activities Day 1:  Students will review the Six+1 Traits of Writing with teacher and also by referring to the Student Friendly Guide.  Students will be assigned to create a campaign speech and sign. 
Day 2:  Students work on speeches and signs.
Day 3-4:  Students will be assigned to make a "commercial" about what makes them the BEST candidate for president.  The "commercials" will be created on PowerPoint.  Please see the "Running for President" Task Sheet under Attachments.  Remind students to make the PowerPoint presentation as eye-catching and creative as possible.  They may want to scan their pictures, insert their own voice, add exciting graphics, use vivid and precise words, etc.  Many people choose to vote from someone simply by how nice their commercials are.
Day 5:  Students share presentations with each other.  Teacher will dub the presentation onto video for all students to take home and share with family and friends.  This presentation will be added to the students' video portfolio.
Attachments Running for President Task Sheet and Scoring Guide

 

Back to Technology Integrated
Lesson Plan Database

Next Lesson Plan

Back to Elementary/Secondary
Education Home Page