Personal Opinions

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Overview

This lesson discusses some of the things that influence an individual’s personal opinion about political events. Students will compare these influences with the influences of a local representative.

 

Grade Levels

5 – 8

 

Objectives

Students will:

• name three things that influence their own personal opinion about political events; and
• identify at least three things that influence a representative’s opinions.

Estimated Time

45 minutes

 

Materials Needed

• E-Learning Module: How a Member Decides to Vote
• Internet connection with Macromedia FLASH ® enabled
• Chalk and chalkboard, marker and whiteboard, or an overhead projector

Procedure

1. Ask students to name things that influence their own personal opinions about current political events. Students may say their friends and family, television, magazines/newspapers, radio talk shows, or religious beliefs influence their personal opinions. Compile a list and write it on a chalkboard, whiteboard, or overhead projector.
2. Ask students if they think politicians have these same influences. Have students name some things they think influence the way politicians vote on a bill. Compile a list and write it on a chalkboard, whiteboard, or overhead projector.
3. Have students compare the two lists.
4. Tell students to complete the How a Member Decides to Vote activity.
5. After students have completed the activity, have volunteers share their reactions to the activity. Ask how many people voted YEA and how many voted NAY. Ask students to name some of the things that influenced their decision. Ask students if there were any influences that they had not thought about previously.

Extension Activity

Have students write their local representative and ask him or her to explain why he or she voted for or against a particular bill.

 

Assessment

Basic Concepts and Processes

Ask your students to respond to the following requests for information and assess their knowledge of key concepts taught in this lesson.

1. Name three things that influence their personal opinions about political events.
2. Identify at least three things that they think influence their representative’s opinions.

Lesson Plan Feedback

If you have suggestions for improving this lesson plan, or if you have ideas for others using the module, please let us know. We value your input. Thank you!

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