the election project including research into candidates’ positions on environmental issues as part...
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The Election Project
Including Research into Candidates’ Positions on Environmental Issues as Part of an Environmental Science Course
Mike Phillips Professor of GeologyIllinois Valley Community CollegeOglesby, Illinoismike_phillips@ivcc.edu
Concerns about young voters
Low registration Low turnout Lack of connection to the political
systemdo not relate to processnot aware of
issues resources
Motivations
Young voter turnout affected by:college education (Luntz, 2004)
with some: 67% turnout without: 30% turnout
perceived impact on election (CIRCLE, 2004) 64% turnout in “battleground” states
Motivations
Why young voters voted for a candidate (Luntz, 2004) 38% felt strongly about issue or issues 22% strongly supported a candidate 22% had strong feelings against a candidate 16% felt it was their civic duty
Motivations
Why young voters do not vote (NASS, 1998) 26% Vote doesn’t make a difference 25% Not enough information 15% Not enough time 15% Negative campaigning 10% Dislike politics/candidates
Hopeful Signs
Young voter turnout rising (CIRCLE, 2004)1992: 48%1996: 35%2000: 43%2004: 52%
Hopeful Signs
Perceived impact of government and elected officials (NASS, 1998) 24% very strong impact 48% somewhat of an impact 18% not a very strong impact 10% almost no impact
What Young Voters Want(New Millennium Voters Project, 2000)
Issues that matter to them Attention of politicians Authenticity in candidates Information on where and how to vote Choices, not dictates: want to be “asked” to vote
“Young people who are exposed to parents, schools, and communities that encourage political participation are far more likely to participate themselves.”
Election season
Provides excellent opportunity to: link course topics to real world issuesencourage critical thinkingdevelop citizenship
Election cycleregistrationeducationparticipation
The Election Project
Get students engaged in the electoral process
Model Identify appropriate courses
match goals to goals
Develop project Implement project Get out the vote Review & Revise
Courses
Environmental Geology Fr-So Level Apply geology to human interactions with the
environment
Environmental Science Fr-So Level Apply physical and biological sciences to human
interactions with the environment
Course Goals
General Education Science
Apply science topics in “the real world” Explore the impact of the political
system on course-related issues Improve critical thinking skills Develop citizenship
Project Development
group vs. individualcandidate vs. racegrade valuerubric timing list of candidates
Supporting web site
assignment links
http://www.ivcc.edu/phillips/courses/bio1000/election.htm
The Project Begins
Class develops a short list of issues discussed in the course concern to the students likely to be covered in the campaign
Students select candidates state & federal office from list of those appearing on local ballots by district (when possible)
Research
student researchphone callsface to faceweb sitesfliers
Presentations
Must contain positions on class questions sources
Poster vs. PowerPoint posters can be displayed after class
Candidates in the classroom extend invitation to opponent
Timing: week prior to election
Get Out the Vote
Timing of student presentations Explain the mechanics of voting
where to gowhat to dowho to contact with questions“you do not have to vote in every contest”
Extra credit for voting
After the Election
Discuss results Relate to presentations Review & Revise
Results
Results of student research varies widely some find very little substantive information some find find detailed position papers some talk directly to their candidate
Candidate visits worth the time excellent discussions
Students enjoy reporting on candidates (most) discover the importance of key issues start to become engaged in the process become frustrated by vague answers
Keys to success
Start small Strive for balance Check on progress frequently Encourage students to call candidates Provide clear expectations Use peer pressure Highlight issues in the news
Advanced Options
Voter registration Candidates on campus
meet & greet forums classroom visits
GOTV rallies Working with groups
Student government Declare Yourself Rock the Vote Choose or Lose Voter Virgin
Sources
NASS, 1998, “NASS National Questionaire/ November 14-19,” 1998 by the Tarrance Group/Lake Snell Perry & Associates, 28p.
New Millenium Voters Project, 2000, http://www.stateofthevote.org, by National Association of Secretaries of State.
CIRCLE, 2004, http://www.civicyouth.org, by The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, University of Maryland.
Luntz, 2004, “The Emerging Electorate Survey: What Young Americans Say About the 2004 Election,” for Declare Yourself, 27p.
Thanks
Mike Phillips
Illinois Valley Comm. College
http://www.ivcc.edu/phillips
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