Created by: Joshua Rich and Andrew Minnix

Name of the Lesson: Elephants versus Donkeys (Understanding Political Parties)

Topic: Political Party System
Course: Government
Grade level: 12th
Virginia Science Standards:
GOVT.6 The student will demonstrate knowledge of local, state, and national elections by
a) describing the organization, role, and constituencies of political parties;
b) describing the nomination and election process;
c) examining campaign funding and spending;
d) analyzing the influence of media coverage, campaign advertising, public opinion polls, and
Internet-based communications on elections;
e) examining the impact of reapportionment and redistricting on elections;
f) identifying how amendments extend the right to vote;
g) analyzing voter turnout;
h) evaluating the degree to which interest groups influence political life;
i) participating in simulations of local, state, and/or national elections.
Learning Objective:
Student will:

Distinguish the differences of the two major political parties (Democratic and Republican)
Understand the purpose of political parties

Instructions:

1: Pre-assess students knowledge of the two political parties using Polleverywhere

2. Discuss the two political parties
3. Pre-assess students knowledge of the purpose of political parties and which party they consider themselves apart of
(Open-ended question using polleverywhere)
4. Discuss the purposes of political parties as well as open the floor to anyone who would like to share which political
that they affiliate themselves with.

Name of Student(s): Josh Rich and Andrew Minnix

Criteria

Scale
Target

The lesson used an appropriate title, ,

course description, and grade level.
The lesson addressed appropriate state
educational standards.
The two learning objectives were clear
and measureable and stated in terms of
student outcomes.
The instructions were presented in a
clear and precise manner and addressed
the learning objectives. All supplemental
graphics, videos, audio, etc. were
appropriate for the lesson. The blog
page was well crafted, attractive, and
free from errors.
The Clicker Software or equivalent
interactive approach was correctly used,
professionally produced and engaged
the learner. It was appropriate for the
grade level and course.
The formative assessment questions
were appropriate and directly related to
the learning objectives. They included
two different assessment approaches
(like true/ false, multiple choice, open
ended, likert).
The lesson was presented in a
professional manner to include voice,
dress, posture, etc.
Total (175 possible points):

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