We have been learning about the Electoral College and how it determines the outcome of US presidential elections. Yesterday, we looked at the results of the 2004 election and learned which ones were swing states that would also play a big role in the 2008 election. Then we made predictions who would the win key states and thus the election using the Electoral Vote Analysis worksheet.
Today, we analyzed the results of the election by looking at a map from the Seattle Times. We also watched Barak Obama’s acceptance speech in order to think about his explanation for how he won the election.
Assignment due November 6
Write a paragraph that explains how Obama won the 2008 Presidential Election.
- Start with a topic sentence.
- Use results of the Electoral Vote to support your explanation.
- Refer to Obama’s speech to support your explanation.
- Write at least 4 sentences.
Students will turn in the the Electoral Vote Analysis worksheet from Tuesday along with the paragraph.
Students are writing a comparison of the major candidates of the 2008 Presidential Election. Students began by researching their positions on issues such as health care, the Iraq War, the economy, the environment, and more, using resources posted on this page. Students used this information to fill in a candidate comparison chart. Next, they selected 1-2 topics to compare and used a double-bubble thinking map to help them organize their thoughts. Lastly, they are following the steps of the writing process to write a paragraph, which is due on Election Day.
Assignment: due November 4 (Election Day)
Students should make sure they turn in the following components of the assignment:
- Double-bubble thinking map.
- Rough draft (may be on back of assignment directions page) – should show revision marks.
- Final draft – typed or neatly handwritten in black ink.
Quick Links: Compare Candidates | Barack Obama | John McCain | Challenge Resources | News & Media
Web Sites that Compare the Major Candidates and Parties
Web Sites about Barrack Obama
Web Sites about John McCain
Challenge Resources
News & Media