Lesson Plan

Printable Version (PDF)

Title

Blue Box Democracy

Audience

Grades 5-11

Overview

This activity will encourage students to think critically and explore the issues regarding low voter turnout.

Objectives

To have students discover solutions to the question: How can voting become as well known as blue box recycling?

Activities and Method

1. Introduce Topic

• Show visuals (Blue box and Elections Polling Box).
  Possible activities:
1. identify the purpose and importance of each;
2. complete a T-Chart on the similarities and differences;
3. other exploratory activities to examine both visuals.
• Design a survey.
  Possible questions:
  1. Did you vote in the last election?
  2. Do you recycle on a regular basis?
  3. What are the reasons that using the blue box has become a habit?
  4. What are the reasons that you did not vote in the last election?
  5. What are the reasons that you did vote in the last election?

2. Develop Background Knowledge

• Search websites for statistics and information on voter turnout for elections
• If survey completed – graph results and compare data

3. Assign Critical Challenge

• Develop a promotion (plan) so that people will become as aware of voting as they are aware of blue box recycling.

4. Present Information

• individual, group or class activity

5. Evaluate – student/teacher evaluation

Preparation (by teacher and by students)

• teacher will find model or photos of recycling and election boxes
• teacher may prepare choice activities for the critical challenge i.e. essay, debate, skits, iMovies, PowerPoint, etc…
• students prepare and complete survey (if option taken)

Duration of Activity

Day 1: Introduction and background activity

Day 2: Develop a survey

Day 3: Compile and analyze results

Day 4-5: Students complete and present critical challenge

Learning Outcomes

Social Studies may include: Skills and Processes, Governance, Human and Physical Environment (as per grade level)

Materials and Resources

www.elections.ca

www.elections.bc.ca/index.php/resource-centre/statistics-and-surveys/

www.mapleleafweb.com/features/voter-turnout-canada

Evaluation of Activity

• teacher/student developed criterion referenced activity
• student portfolio
• Social Responsibility grades 8-10 performance standard on democratic rights and responsibilities

Submitted By

Brenda Catherall, Rose Valley Elementary, School District 23 (Central Okanagan)
Leo Holdstock, Bella Bella Community School, Independent
Brenda Jones, White Rock Elementary, School District 36 (Surrey)
Dameon Lorensen, Willoughby Elementary, School District 35 (Langley)
Tracy Richards, Lake Trail Middle School, School District 71 (Comox Valley)

NOTE: The ideas and opinions expressed in this classroom activity belong to their authors and do
not necessarily reflect those of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia or the Government
of British Columbia. The Public Education and Outreach office only edits for clarity.