TeachersFirst's Resources for Elections
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Whether it is a presidential year or an off-year election cycle, there are many excellent election resources on the web to help your students understand and become involved in the electoral process. This collection highlights the TeachersFirst editors' favorite election resources for all levels.
If you wish to choose from a more extensive list election-related resources or to narrow your list for a specific topic and grade level, use the search tool at the left of this page.
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Running for Office--Cartoons of Clifford K. Berryman - The National Archives
Grades
7 to 12
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Each Presidential election cycle brings with it a new crop of political cartoons and caricatures of politicians. Clifford K. Berryman drew political cartoons at the turn of the 20th...more
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Each Presidential election cycle brings with it a new crop of political cartoons and caricatures of politicians. Clifford K. Berryman drew political cartoons at the turn of the 20th century and US Presidents from Grover Cleveland to Harry Truman. This site profiles both the cartoons themselves, and the issues and personalities behind the cartoons. Visually attractive, the site also permits downloading cartoons so they can be printed and studied.
As an important primary source, political cartoons provide an important insight into the issues and controversies of their time period. More than simply who did what, and what happened where, these drawings show us the emotions and conflict involved in the ugly and messy business of politics.
As an important primary source, political cartoons provide an important insight into the issues and controversies of their time period. More than simply who did what, and what happened where, these drawings show us the emotions and conflict involved in the ugly and messy business of politics.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (51), elections (58), politics (57), presidents (78)
In the Classroom
Students can gain insight into the events of the first half of the 20th century as well as draw parallels between the issues of that time and today. How are Presidential campaigns different and how are they similar? Challenge students to create their own political comics using one of TeachersFirst's many comic/cartoon tools reviewed here.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Show(R) USA - SHOW(R)
Grades
6 to 12
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See a new way to look at the USA (or the World, or Japan). This site resizes countries on the map in relation to various issues: population, resources, employment, religion, ...more
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See a new way to look at the USA (or the World, or Japan). This site resizes countries on the map in relation to various issues: population, resources, employment, religion, death, business, the environment, and more. Each main topic also has numerous sub-topics to explore. Maps adjust to correspond to data. For example, click on "unemployed" on the U.S. map and you see the states in proportion to the number of unemployed workers. Mouse over the state and you can see the percentage of unemployed workers. A list on the right ranks states from 1 to 50 for the percentage of unemployed (or other specified topic). New maps/topics are constantly being added, and you can make suggestions as to what types of maps you would like to see.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): agriculture (37), elections (58), energy (124), environment (230), infographics (16), maps (165), politics (57), population (38), religions (27), resources (75), sports (55)
In the Classroom
When studying a specific topic in class (unemployment, AIDS, drunk driving, religion, energy resources, crops, etc.), share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Ask students why certain state or countries might differ from others. Are there issues that appear to be related, such as alcoholism and unemployment? Is it cause/effect or simply a coincidence? During election years, explore political leanings/polls and other statistics from this site. Have cooperative learning groups explore a specific topic (or state) and possible reasons for the data. To show what they have learned from this site, challenge groups to create an online graphic to share using Tabblo reviewed here. Have students create an online presentation combining several maps from this site using Nota (reviewed here) or another reviewed presentation tool from the TeachersFirst Edge. Remember that you can always take screenshots of a map using PrtScrn key in Windows (then paste it where you want it) or using Command+Shift+4 on a Mac to save the image on your computer. Use the screenshots in explanations and presentations.
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FORA.tv - FORA.tv
Grades
9 to 12
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FORA.tv's claim to fame is as the Web's largest collection of conference and event videos. These videos come from sources such as universities, think tanks, and other intelligent discourses....more
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FORA.tv's claim to fame is as the Web's largest collection of conference and event videos. These videos come from sources such as universities, think tanks, and other intelligent discourses. While one can sign up for this service, it is not required. Joining for free does have some perks such as the ability to rate or comment on videos. At the time of this review, there were over 10,000 FREE videos. An additional 500 videos were available for a FEE.
Videos can be shared through email, embedded, or linked with the URL by copying and pasting it to your own blog or website. Video content is categorized into business, environment, politics, science, technology, and culture. Each category has numerous sub-categories available. Please preview anything before you share it with your students. At the time of this review there was a subcategory "Sex" which may not be appropriate for most classrooms. But always preview! Teachers may want to share ONLY specific video links.
This site includes advertising.
Videos can be shared through email, embedded, or linked with the URL by copying and pasting it to your own blog or website. Video content is categorized into business, environment, politics, science, technology, and culture. Each category has numerous sub-categories available. Please preview anything before you share it with your students. At the time of this review there was a subcategory "Sex" which may not be appropriate for most classrooms. But always preview! Teachers may want to share ONLY specific video links.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): business (42), cultures (62), elections (58), energy (124), environment (230), evolution (89), genetics (66), investing (8), news (130), politics (57), psychology (28), religions (27), sexuality (11), stock market (11), sustainability (11), video (67)
In the Classroom
Search to find videos relevant to the subjects that you are teaching. Videos are thought provoking and suggest different viewpoints. Once you select a video, show it as an inepth look into a topic you are already studying. Share the video and start a class discussion about the viewpoints of the video and the students' own viewpoints. From here, students could write a position paper from their own side or do further research for a class debate. Challenge your students to create their own video about topics being discussed/learned in class. Share the videos using a tool such as SchoolTube reviewed here.
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Hall of Presidents - Fraboom
Grades
3 to 9
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Use cartoons and humor to help teach civics. This section of the Fraboom website discusses the U.S. Presidents, the electoral vote, the creation of laws, and highlights key vocabulary...more
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Use cartoons and humor to help teach civics. This section of the Fraboom website discusses the U.S. Presidents, the electoral vote, the creation of laws, and highlights key vocabulary words. There are videos, interactives, cartoons, and more. There is an option to purchase a premium membership but the free account offer plenty of excellent features. Students do not need to create an account to access the "Hall of Presidents".
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): bill of rights (20), comics and cartoons (51), drawing (58), elections (58), electoral college (8), lincoln (58), presidents (78)
In the Classroom
This is a great resource to use with your social studies curriculum or to teach about the Presidents. Use the animated videos on this site for an anticipatory set or "activator" that introduces a civics unit or lesson on how the electoral vote works. Share the interactives and/or videos on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Use this site as a center to support a unit about the Presidents of the United States. Have students practice identifying the humorous cartoons of former presidents. Post a link to this site on your class website so students can watch the videos at home. Use the video cartoon about Abe Lincoln to inspire students to animate biographies about presidents. Consider using sites such as go animate reviewed here to create these engaging reports.
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Alabama Kids' Pages - Alabama Secretary of State
Grades
3 to 8
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Explore and discover lots of information about the state of Alabama at this site for kids. Learn about state symbols (the state fruit is the blackberry), emblems, the state flag, ...more
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Explore and discover lots of information about the state of Alabama at this site for kids. Learn about state symbols (the state fruit is the blackberry), emblems, the state flag, and much more. Learn about the geography of Alabama, although there are no large natural lakes there are many large man-made reservoirs. Find interesting places to visit in the state such as the State Capitol and U.S. Space and Rocket Center. The Alabama government portion of the site has a wonderful graphic of how a bill becomes a law that can be used or modified for any state. The site also includes a few games such as a word find, guess the letters to find Alabama county names, and guess words related to elections.
tag(s): branches of government (21), elections (58), states (144)
In the Classroom
Share this site with students when working on state reports to use as a resource. For quicker projects, create electronic "posters" using tools such as Piclits (reviewed here) or Typogenerator (reviewed here). Locate interesting places mentioned on maps when practicing map skills. Share the graphic image of how a bill is made when learning about the bill-making process in your state or in the country.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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PolitiFact: Sorting out the truth in politics - St. Petersburg Times
Grades
6 to 12
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Politicians are legendary for their ability to "spin" or manipulate the facts in their own favor. This site seeks to cut through the jargon and the partisan spin to evaluate ...more
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Politicians are legendary for their ability to "spin" or manipulate the facts in their own favor. This site seeks to cut through the jargon and the partisan spin to evaluate statements made by politicians, using their "Truth-o-Meter." Although the interface is light-hearted (using a scale that runs from True, Barely True, False, and "Pants on Fire"), the facts are well researched and presented.
tag(s): advertising (19), elections (58), politics (57)
In the Classroom
This site is a great resource for students researching politicians and their viewpoints. If you're sponsoring a class debate, keep the site handy for each side to check the assertions of their opponents. When students have questions about the content of political advertising, for example, refer them here to find out more. As an assignment, consider having the class pick a political ad, and using the information on this site, write about how the creator of the ad selected the facts that would best portray the viewpoint of the candidate. They could share their critique on a class wiki or on a classroom bulletin board. Have groups create a "mythbuster" political poster on Voicethread (reviewed hereAdd your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Congress.org - C-Q Roll Call, Inc
Grades
9 to 12
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Congress.org is a product of the larger group of news publications that include Congressional Quarterly and Roll Call, both long-time sources of news about Washington politics. The...more
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Congress.org is a product of the larger group of news publications that include Congressional Quarterly and Roll Call, both long-time sources of news about Washington politics. The site collects news stories, letters to congress and statements from political advocacy groups in one place for the reader to survey. The site is as non-partisan as possible, and it's possible you will find links to statements from the National Rifle Association next to those from the the Society of Friends. There is also a running accounting of recent votes in Congress for those trying to keep up with current legislation. Be aware, however, that one portion of the site includes letters to Members of Congress written by subscribers; previewing in advance is advised.
tag(s): congress (17), elections (58), house of representatives (8), senate (9)
In the Classroom
Consider placing this site on your class web page for students to use in researching political viewpoints, both in relation to upcoming elections and in ongoing political debate. It's a site for true politics junkies, but will be useful for those who are looking for concise information collected in a readable, easy-to-access format. Use the site during your study of the legislative branch and have groups follow congressional groups of individuals, creating a timeline of their activities using a tool such as XTimeline, reviewed here or Dipity, reviewed here. Embed the congressional timelines in your class wiki for students to compare and critique or to trace an incumbent's activities during an election cycle.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Project Vote Smart - Project Vote Smart
Grades
9 to 12
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Students often are confused about how to choose a candidate to support in an upcoming election. Perhaps they haven't read enough about the candidates and are overly influenced by campaign...more
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Students often are confused about how to choose a candidate to support in an upcoming election. Perhaps they haven't read enough about the candidates and are overly influenced by campaign advertising, or they are just repeating what they have heard at home. This site can help them hone in on a candidate whose views are similar to their own. Enter your zip code, and you have data on each candidate running in your area across 12 different issues. Choose either an issue to explore, or complete a questionnaire to see which candidate's views match your own.
tag(s): elections (58)
In the Classroom
Use this site as the basis of a homework or group assignment: students can write about the candidate they would support in an upcoming election referencing the information found on the site about each candidate's views on specific issues. Take it further and have them create a print ad for their candidate or an online "poster" using GlogsterEDU, reviewed here. Alternatively, the site could be used on an interactive whiteboard as a springboard for a class-wide discussion. Be aware that the site uses a "grassroots" theme, and has a barely audible--and at times annoying--sound track of chirping birds. Turn down the sound if it bothers you.
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eLECTIONS - Cable in the Classroom
Grades
9 to 12
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eLECTIONS is a presidential campaign simulation game. Rather than relying on any particular election, students play the game based on the issues and their ability to win electoral votes....more
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eLECTIONS is a presidential campaign simulation game. Rather than relying on any particular election, students play the game based on the issues and their ability to win electoral votes. It can be played by individuals, or can be projected on an interactive whiteboard for classroom use. It requires Adobe Shockwave version 10.2 to play and requires you to enable cookies in order to print out results and save the game for later use. Because of its technical requirements, you may want to check with your building or district IT folks or test to make sure the game will run on your network before planning to use it.
tag(s): elections (58)
In the Classroom
The simulation game would work well for a government or current events class, or a US history class. Consider using the simulation game at the end or beginning of a unit on the electoral process to get students personally involved in understanding elections in the US. Extend the unit with multimedia election "posters" using GlogsterEDU reviewed here.
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Youth Leadership Initiative - Center for Politics - University of Virginia
Grades
3 to 12
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This site is a civic education program that encourages students to be involved in the electoral and policy making process of the US government. Through interactive multimedia, the site...more
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This site is a civic education program that encourages students to be involved in the electoral and policy making process of the US government. Through interactive multimedia, the site offers technology-based civic education resources that foster long-term civic engagement. There are parts of this site that are available to non-members, while other features are "member only." Membership requires name of school, email, and address. Teachers and curriculum leaders can sign up for a free account, and approval takes 2 - 3 days. Once approved, you will have access to several multimedia rich content areas.
In the Classroom
Use the site with an interactive whiteboard or projector. Have students work in cooperative groups and take part in the mock congress. They will develop critical thinking and collaboration skills as they research, draft, and pass original legislation. Use the downloadable campaign simulation software (free), and have your students role play and run a senatorial campaign.br> If you plan to have students register individually, you may want to create your own Gmail account with up to 20 subaccounts for each group of students (by code name or number) within your classes. Here is a blog post that tells how to set up GMail subaccounts to use for any online membership service.
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The Perfect President - PBS
Grades
2 to 5
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Involve your young students in the process of electing our next president with this lesson plan that focuses on the legal requirements, experience, and personality traits that contribute...more
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Involve your young students in the process of electing our next president with this lesson plan that focuses on the legal requirements, experience, and personality traits that contribute to a successful presidency. Students can play an online President for a Day game to understand the daily responsibilities, and then create job descriptions for the position. This site includes McRel standards. Some of the links require Flash or Media Player. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): elections (58)
In the Classroom
Have your students work in cooperative learning groups to explore this site around Presidents' Day.
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The American Presidency - Encyclopedia Britannica
Grades
5 to 12
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This site provides concise information about the men who have held the nation's highest office, their first ladies, and the complex job of the American president. Historical election...more
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This site provides concise information about the men who have held the nation's highest office, their first ladies, and the complex job of the American president. Historical election results, descriptions of political parties, and a gallery of documents related to the presidency are also included. Investigate the audio and video features - where you'll find some true gems! Watch a video of Nixon discussing Watergate, see JFK deliver his NASA speech, view Ronald Reagan's Berlin Wall Speech, and see many animated videos from Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and more!!
There is also a link about the famous 2008 Election. Learn about the candidates and election results. Some of the videos, animations, and audio require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
There is also a link about the famous 2008 Election. Learn about the candidates and election results. Some of the videos, animations, and audio require Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): elections (58), lincoln (58), presidents (78)
In the Classroom
Use this site to research candidates in the upcoming elections, and presidents of the past. Have students create a wiki to discuss the candidates viewpoints and if the students agree or disagree. Challenge students to create a political "blog" as a mock candidate. Have a "mock" presidential race in your class (using the mock candidates created by your students). Have the "candidates" go on the campaign trail, research the issues, and provide their solutions to America's problems.
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Gallup Daily - Gallup, Inc.
Grades
1 to 12
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The Gallup Daily offers detailed information about elections, current events, video clips, and much more. There are also graphs and statistical information. Some of this site...more
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The Gallup Daily offers detailed information about elections, current events, video clips, and much more. There are also graphs and statistical information. Some of this site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): elections (58), statistics (79)
In the Classroom
Use this site to share current events with your students on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Study the statistics of the election in your math class. Have a mock election in your class, analyze the results of your class election using graphs and statistics.
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Election Tools For Teachers - Google for Educators
Grades
K to 12
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Are you looking for some innovative lessons and activities to help your students understand the election and Electoral College? Google has created this multi-faceted website that includes...more
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Are you looking for some innovative lessons and activities to help your students understand the election and Electoral College? Google has created this multi-faceted website that includes activities for all grade levels. Although the site looks "plain vanilla," in this case, looks are very deceiving. This is hands-down one of the best election sites available. Highlights of the site include an interactive Electoral College Map, a link for the National Student/Parent Mock Election, YouTube YouChoose videos, and even activities to encourage your students to express their own political opinions (for example, Letters to the Next President or YouTube:Broadcast Yourself). The YouTube: Broadcast Yourself is only available to students over the age of 13. This broadcast allows students to express their opinions about the election and politics through videos created by themselves! The YouTube handbook offers tips on producing these student-created videos. Be sure to get parental permission before videotaping any student.
If your school blocks streaming video sites, consider accessing this site and choosing videos at home, using a tool such as Zamzar (explained here) to bring them in for class use. The activities at this site require Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
If your school blocks streaming video sites, consider accessing this site and choosing videos at home, using a tool such as Zamzar (explained here) to bring them in for class use. The activities at this site require Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): college (39), elections (58), electoral college (8)
In the Classroom
Use the interactive map of the Electoral College to help students understand how it works. Have students predict who will win in each state (based on previous results and polls). Sign your class up for the mock election, so your students have the chance to voice their vote! Share the YouTube videos on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Use this site to explore the candidates and their views. Have students (if over the age of 13) use the YouTube: Broadcast Yourself option to create their own videos about the issues and candidates, or collaborate with their classmates to create and upload a political discussion or class debate. Share the student-created videos on a projector or interactive whiteboard.
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By The People - PBS
Grades
4 to 12
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Is it possible to get kids excited about the Electoral College or campaign finance? Can students truly appreciate political humor? Help your history students understand the intricacies...more
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Is it possible to get kids excited about the Electoral College or campaign finance? Can students truly appreciate political humor? Help your history students understand the intricacies of the election process and gain an appreciation for this distinctly American political season! Browse through more than thirty interactive and creative lesson plans, organized by topic and grade level. Topics include the campaign trail, political polling, primaries and caucuses, political ads, and voting rights. Adobe Acrobat required for some activities. Although this site was created for the 2004 Presidential Election, it could be used during any presidential season. Some of the links require Flash and/or Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): college (39), elections (58), electoral college (8)
In the Classroom
Click on the lesson plans link and browse through the thirty election topics. The lessons are divided into elementary and secondary. Challenge students to create a mythical candidate and platform on a wiki. Have students conduct a school election. How does the school's results compare to the national results?
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Election 2008 - Scholastic
Grades
3 to 8
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Track the entire election process with your elementary and middle school students. This site developed by Scholastic is loaded with activities for kids and tools for teachers. Features...more
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Track the entire election process with your elementary and middle school students. This site developed by Scholastic is loaded with activities for kids and tools for teachers. Features include candidate interviews conducted by students, explanations of the election process in kid-friendly terms, lesson plans on various election topics (Political Parties, Campaigning, Electoral College, Candidates and Issues, and others), Election 08 blogs, printable pages, election interactives, and much more. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
tag(s): elections (58)
In the Classroom
Share the interactives and video clips on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Use the ready to go lesson plans (which include standards) to keep your students informed of election news. With older students, create a class wiki to discuss presidential views and issues.
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How the President Gets Elected - Factmonster
Grades
4 to 12
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This simple seven-step users' guide is a great refresher for older students and an easy-to-understand introduction for those just learning about the election process. The site explains...more
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This simple seven-step users' guide is a great refresher for older students and an easy-to-understand introduction for those just learning about the election process. The site explains common election terminology (caucus, Electoral College, primary) and outlines requirements that must be met to vote and to run for public office. Use this guide to frame discussions and chart the progress in this year's presidential election.
In the Classroom
Have your students follow this guide to create a fictitious candidate. Challenge students to create a blog about their mock candidate. What issues are important to your students? Do any of the IRL (Internet lingo for "in real life") candidates share the same views as the students' mock candidate?Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Weekly Reader - Weekly Reader Corp.
Grades
2 to 7
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This site offers free online Weekly Reader feature stories (click on the link on the blackboard), many of which can stand on their own without the actual printed "Readers" (which ...more
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This site offers free online Weekly Reader feature stories (click on the link on the blackboard), many of which can stand on their own without the actual printed "Readers" (which require a paid subscription). Difficult words link to an online glossary or "pop up" on mouse-over. The online reader also includes interactive elements, depending on the topic. There is also a "Word of the Day" accompanying the featured news story. Lesson plans in pdf format provide ideas for teaching many literacy topics. Archives of other news features are free, as well. The teen section focuses on celebrities and entertainment, but there is also a featured writer. There are also many paid items being advertised, so get to know your way around the site before sending students there. This site requires Flash and lesson plans require Acrobat Reader. Get them from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom
Incorporate current events into your lesson plans or use the feature stories for comprehension practice on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Use these articles when teaching about how writing for a newspaper differs from essay or report writing. Check out the activity offerings, such as upcoming elections and other current events. The news pictures in the feature article's slideshow help make this site accessible for ESL and ELL students and weaker readers.
This resource requires Adobe Flash and PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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