Today I started a week long unit in which students had to research a US President, and then explain why they were either the best President or the worst, by utilizing bias and other campaign techniques. (It is a Presidential election year, the kids are PSYCHED about the Trump). March madness was coming up too, so we created a "Bracket" style board to vote their presidents.
Day 1: Research and Create!
Students chose a President, researched about them, wrote a short summary of their achievements, and then drew a picture to compel their peers to vote them the worst or best president ever. This actually took about 3 hour long periods, if I'm being honest.
Day 2: Vote on sources!
I pitted the presidents against one another and students went around and voted for who they thought was most successful in construing their message. First round was based on what we should always consider first: sources used.
The first round was based on the legitimacy of the sources used. If students didn't include a source, typically they lost.
Day 3: Vote on visuals!
Students voted on the most successful visuals. Did the author emphasize certain words? Is it in pen or pencil? Does the image they drew look legitimate?
Day 4: Vote on an argument.
Now that we had the president's narrowed down, it was time for some reading. We now voted on who's summary was the most compelling.
Day 5: Lobbying
Students served as lobbyists for another students piece. Students learned that the louder and more excited you are, you could be straight lying, and people would vote for you. Because students find Donald Trump so compelling we compared this event to his campaign.
Day 6: Finals
Students vote on overall aspects. Whoever wins gets a prize!
Great project, a lot of fun. The kids dug it.
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