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- Contributed By: the.News http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/
Key Concepts: 1. Recognize notable inaugural practices and precedents established during our nation’s history and the contributions each President has made to the Inaugural tradition. 2. Identify the key themes and issues contained in a Presidential Inaugural Address while examining the historical context surrounding each specific Inaugural event. 3. Examine the use of political rhetoric in Inaugural speeches and its impact on the audience. 4. Identify and analyze issues and controversies relating to the Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama This lesson was designed to support the.News video “A Historical Perspective on the Inauguration.” The video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote/
As preparations are made for President-Elect Barack Obama’s Inauguration, Stacey Delikat reports on past Inaugurations and some of the more memorable moments. The accompanying video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote.
Students will gain a fundamental understanding of the transition from analog television to digital with a scientific and policy perspective. They will then develop a presentation to inform consumers of the upcoming digital TV transition. This lesson was designed to support the.News video "Digital Conversion." The video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote/.
On February 17, 2009 over the air broadcasting makes the transition from analog to digital. Antonio Neves reports on how this transition could affect you. The accompanying video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote.
Students will understand that the current economic crisis is a "global event" that impacts different nations in similar and different ways. This lesson was designed to support the.News video "Global Wrap 11/18/08." The accompanying video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote.
In the aftermath of the G20 Economic Summit, Antonio Neves reports on the events from November 18, 2008 with stories from around the world. The accompanying video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote.
Social Studies Curriculum: Students will understand the importance and complexity of the presidential transition process in handing over the reins of power from one president to the next. They will then examine and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of candidates for the President's cabinet and important administrative posts. Language Arts Curriculum: Students will analyze how politicians use language to frame ideas and concepts. Students will also explore in depth some of the issues related to the transition from an incumbent administration to a newly elected administration. They will use this information to analyze the roles of key players in the United States government.
With 77 days between the election and Inauguration, President-Elect Obama has much to do before being sworn in as President. Stacey Delikat reports. The accompanying video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote.
"Banking: In the fractional reserve method, we trust" Economics Curriculum: Students will understand how important banks are and how they create money/credit by way of fractional reserves. Students will then take this information and form conclusions about what our government should do with respect to banks given the current economic downturn. "Trust and the President" Language Arts Curriculum: Students will understand that claims made in political advertisements need to be scrutinized and evaluated for their accuracy and how that scrutiny can affect a candidate's trustworthiness.
As a result of a worsening economy, people have begun to change spending habits. Antonio Neves reports on the economy and its impact on the campaign. The accompanying video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote.
Social Studies Curriculum: Students will understand the structure and operation of the Electoral College and will know that sometimes it is not an absolute indicator of the popular will. They will also understand the importance of swing states to political campaigns and will track the efforts of presidential candidates to win the support of swing state voters. Language Arts Curriculum: Students will evaluate the effectiveness of the language used by the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and John McCain and the "527" committees (special interest groups that are created mainly to influence elections) in targeted "media buys" for various "swing states," or states that are considered to be "in play" in the 2008 presidential election.
As the campaign draws to a close, both parties focus in on key states. Stacey Delikat reports on the Electoral College and its importance in the election. The accompanying video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote.
Social Studies Curriculum: Students will understand how political campaigns use polling data to understand voter appeal of their candidate and what issues are most sensitive to their concerns. Students will then take this information and create a campaign-organizing project to inform potential voters about the candidates. Language Arts Curriculum: Students will analyze the effectiveness of the language that grassroots political organizers use to connect with different voting groups and to achieve political goals. They will also develop multimedia presentations while using persuasive visuals and language to convey political messages.
The political parties are working hard to reach undecided voters. Antonio Neves looks at how campaigns go door-to-door to get out the vote. The accompanying video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote.
Social Studies Curriculum: At the conclusion of the lesson students will: (1)Explain the impact Presidential Debates have had on the electoral process and defend their answers with specific historical examples; (2) Summarize major aspects of historical Presidential Debates; (3) Analyze major aspects of historical Presidential Debates; (4) Identify and classify political issues; and (5) Take and defend a political position. Language Arts Curriculum: Students will explore in depth some of the issues that will be featured during the presidential and vice-presidential debates and develop a summary document of the candidates' stand on the issues. They will use this information to evaluate the candidates' performance during the presidential and vice-presidential debates.
The debates are the most anticipated events remaining this election year. Stacey Delikat reports on the impact of past debates and what to expect this time. The accompanying video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote.
Social Studies Curriculum: Students will understand how the political party nominating conventions make their selection of candidates for President and Vice President. Language Arts Curriculum: Students will analyze how politicians use language to connect with voters and to achieve goals. They will also develop their own platform and practice persuasive writing.
Learn about the important roles conventions play in shaping the 2008 elections. The accompanying video can be found online at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote.
