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Democracy in Action

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Abby Heubaum

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Democracy in Action

Introduction to Democracy

This lesson introduces 8th-grade students to the concept of democracy, setting the stage for election week. Through a combination of game-based, active, and collaborative learning strategies, students will explore the principles of democracy and its significance in society. This lesson is crucial for fostering an understanding of civic engagement and the democratic process, encouraging students to think critically about their role in a democratic society.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Game-Based Learning, Active Learning, Collaborative Learning

Materials

Worksheet: Democracy Basics, Reading: What is Democracy?, Discussion: Democracy in Our Lives, Video: This Tool Will Help Improve Your Critical Thinking, Activity: Democracy Role-Play, and Answer Key: Democracy Basics

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Begin with a brief introduction to the concept of democracy.
  • Explain the importance of understanding democracy, especially during election week.
  • Show the video to stimulate critical thinking about democratic principles.

Step 2

Reading and Discussion

10 mins

  • Distribute the reading material "What is Democracy?" to students.
  • Allow students a few minutes to read individually.
  • Facilitate a discussion using the "Democracy in Our Lives" discussion guide to explore how democracy impacts their daily lives.

Step 3

Worksheet Activity

5 mins

  • Hand out the "Democracy Basics" worksheet.
  • Instruct students to complete the worksheet individually, using the reading material as a reference.

Step 4

Role-Play Activity

7 mins

  • Organize students into small groups for a role-play activity.
  • Assign each group a scenario related to democratic decision-making, such as:
    • School Council Meeting: Students role-play as members of a school council deciding on a new school policy.
    • Community Town Hall: Students act as community members discussing a local issue, like building a new park.
    • Election Campaign: Students simulate running for a class representative position, creating campaign speeches and posters.
  • Allow groups to present their scenarios and discuss the outcomes.

Step 5

Closure

3 mins

  • Recap the key points discussed in the lesson.
  • Encourage students to think about how they can participate in democratic processes in their community.
  • Collect worksheets and provide the answer key for self-assessment.
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Worksheet

Democracy Basics Worksheet

This worksheet helps students reinforce their understanding of democracy by answering questions based on the reading material.

Define democracy in your own words.

Think about the key principles of democracy discussed in the reading.







List two examples of democratic processes in your community.

Consider local government activities or school elections.







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Reading

What is Democracy?

This reading provides a concise overview of democracy, its principles, and its importance in society.

What is Democracy?

Democracy is a system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting. It is built on principles of equality and freedom, allowing individuals to have a say in decisions that affect their lives. In a democratic society, the government is accountable to the people, and leaders are elected through free and fair elections. Democracy encourages participation, debate, and the protection of human rights.

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Discussion

Democracy in Our Lives

This discussion explores the impact of democracy on students' daily lives and encourages them to think critically about their role in a democratic society.

How does democracy affect your daily life?

Encourage students to think about decisions made by local or national governments that impact them.







Why is it important to participate in democratic processes?

Discuss the importance of voting and civic engagement in shaping society.







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Answer Key

Democracy Basics Answer Key

This answer key provides the correct answers and explanations for the Democracy Basics worksheet.

Define democracy in your own words.

Democracy is a system where citizens vote to make decisions.
Democracy is a form of government where power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

List two examples of democratic processes in your community.

Voting in local elections
Democratic processes include activities where citizens have a say, such as voting in elections or participating in town hall meetings.

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