Third Grade Mock Election Campaign
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and run an effective election campaign that demonstrates the roles of the three branches of government, the law-making process, the services provided by local government, and the importance of elections in our community?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How do the three branches of government influence our community and everyday lives?
- What are the steps involved in creating a law in our local community?
- What types of services does our local government provide, and why are they important?
- Why do we have elections and how do they help communities function?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will understand and describe the roles of the three branches of government.
- Students will analyze and simulate the law-making process in local government.
- Students will identify and evaluate services provided by local governments and their significance.
- Students will explain the purpose of elections and demonstrate this understanding through campaign activities.
Pa Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMysterious Candidate Speeches
Students walk into the classroom to find audio recordings of speeches and handwritten letters from mysterious fictional candidates about how they intend to change the school. This prompts students to decode who these candidates are and what levels of government they might represent, tapping into the roles the branches play and stirring curiosity about how laws could affect their own environment.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Law-Making Lab
In this activity, students will simulate the local law-making process, gaining first-hand experience with how a bill becomes a law which is crucial for their election campaigns.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA classroom-debated bill passed into 'law' at the school level.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with Pa Standard 5.3.3.B (Identify how laws are made in the local community).Election Extravaganza
The culminating event where students apply their knowledge and skills to run mock election campaigns, explaining the election process and its significance.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn executed mock election with student-created materials and participation.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with Pa Standard 5.3.3.E (Explain the purpose for elections).Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioElection Campaign Simulation Rubric
Understanding of Government Roles
Assessment of students' knowledge of the three branches of government and their functions within the community and the law-making process.Branches of Government
Evaluate students' ability to identify and explain the roles of the three branches of government.
Exemplary
4 PointsComprehensively identifies and explains the roles and functions of all three branches of government in detail, using specific examples.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately identifies and explains the roles and functions of the three branches of government, with some examples.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies the three branches of government but provides limited explanation of their roles and functions.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify the branches of government and lacks understanding of their roles and functions.
Law-Making Process
Assess the students’ ability to understand and simulate the legislative process in a local government setting.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a detailed and accurate simulation of the law-making process, including all steps and components with clear justification.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates an accurate simulation of the law-making process with most steps and components included.
Developing
2 PointsSimulates the law-making process with some accuracy, missing key components or steps.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to simulate the law-making process, lacking coherence and accuracy in the steps and components involved.
Election Campaign Execution
Assessment of the students’ ability to execute and present an election campaign effectively.Campaign Materials
Evaluate the creativity, clarity, and effectiveness of the campaign materials created by the students.
Exemplary
4 PointsProduces highly creative, clear, and effective campaign materials that engage the audience exceptionally.
Proficient
3 PointsProduces clear and effective campaign materials that adequately engage the audience.
Developing
2 PointsProduces campaign materials with limited effectiveness or creativity, with some engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to produce clear and creative campaign materials, with minimal audience engagement.
Understanding of Elections
Assess the students' understanding of the purpose and significance of elections.
Exemplary
4 PointsThoroughly explains the purpose and significance of elections with compelling arguments and examples.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately explains the purpose and significance of elections with relevant examples.
Developing
2 PointsPartially explains the purpose and significance of elections with limited examples.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates minimal understanding of the purpose and significance of elections, with few or no examples.