Top Notch Websites and Applications for Electoral Learning and Awareness
The 2024 U.S. presidential election is fast approaching, and educators are seeking engaging and unbiased resources to help students understand the election process and civic participation. Here are some of the top nonpartisan educational resources available for teachers and students:
U.S. National Archives and Library of Congress Election Resources
The U.S. National Archives and Library of Congress offer comprehensive educational materials on the Electoral College, presidential election processes, historical election data, and lesson plans. These resources include document analysis worksheets and video-based civics lessons by PBS Newshour, suitable for grades 6-12. [1]
iCivics Platform
Founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics provides interactive games like Cast Your Vote and Supreme Court decision simulations. These resources are project-based and student-led, helping learners understand democratic burdens and judicial processes in an immersive way without requiring logins or data collection. [2]
Additional Resources
- Center for Civic Education Voting Lessons: These lessons provide insights into the timeline of U.S. voting history, being an informed voter, U.S. Presidential elections, and more, catering to elementary, middle, and high school students.
- C-SPAN Classroom Deliberations: This initiative offers election-related lessons on topics such as presidential power, U.S. Supreme Court ethics, and age restrictions for elected officials.
- Close Up Foundation: This organisation provides a free guide to the 2024 presidential election, covering candidates, their positions, and classroom guides for debates.
- The 2024 Presidential Simulation: This resource allows users to run simulations and make predictions about the Electoral College and Presidency in 2024.
- Facing History and Ourselves: This organisation offers resources for examining the history of voting rights, media literacy, and democratic participation in the U.S. elections.
- Learning for Justice's Future Voter Project: This project provides resources to educate kids about voting rights, voter suppression, and registration.
- The New York Times Lesson of the Day: This resource includes a gerrymandering game and resources to teach about gerrymandering and its effects on elections.
- PBS Daily New Lessons: Election 2024: This initiative publishes lessons about the 2024 election, with topics including the Democratic National Convention, Kamala Harris' selection of running mate Tim Walz, and President Biden's decision to end his bid for another term.
- Politico's You be the campaign manager: This resource allows users to assume the identity of either the Democratic or Republican campaign manager and make crucial decisions in a 2024 election challenge.
AllSides
AllSides is a nonpartisan public benefit corporation providing coverage of the 2024 election without left- or right-leaning bias, and offering voter guides, breaking news, and a Bias Checker.
These resources are well-suited for teachers and students seeking factual, engaging, and unbiased election education for the 2024 U.S. presidential election. [1][2] By utilising these resources, educators can help students develop a deeper understanding of the election process and foster active participation in the democratic system.
[1] U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Election Resources for Educators. Retrieved August 30, 2024, from https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/elections
[2] iCivics. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved August 30, 2024, from https://www.icivics.org/about/
- A student engaged in lifelong learning might find Stem school fascinating, as it often incorporates interactive technology such as laptops into its teaching methods.
- Education-and-self-development materials, including video-based civics lessons and document analysis worksheets, are made available through the U.S. National Archives and Library of Congress Election Resources.
- In a school setting, teachers can utilize the iCivics platform to help students learn about democratic burdens and judicial processes through interactive games like 'Cast Your Vote'.
- The Center for Civic Education Voting Lessons offers resources for elementary, middle, and high school students that provide insights into the history and timeline of U.S. voting, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the election process.
- The New York Times Lesson of the Day, among other resources, offers engaging materials on gerrymandering, helping students develop critical thinking skills related to the election process and democratic participation.
