Database Detectives Discover Democracy

  Big Picture
During local or national elections, students use computers as tools to collect and evaluate real-time, real-life data. Throughout the campaign process, they unite and involve the entire home and school community while introducing kindergarten and primary students to the concept of informed voting.
 
Details

Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Technology
Grades 5-8
 
Highlights

Students organize in-school mock elections and examine real-world political elections. Activities are aimed at teaching students to:
Encourage full voting participation.
Create and use a computer database.
Design and distribute questionnaires that gather relevant, quantifiable demographics.
 
Get information from organizations by phone, visits, and Internet.

Encouraging increased voter registration, older students distribute unbiased balloting information to neighbors and parents. Participants meet and interview election workers and sometimes even candidates. They use post-election data from school and political contests to analyze and share results with the school community.
Linda Scott

Teacher Profile

Linda is a computer teacher at the Hurley Elementary School. Training teachers in computer and authoring languages, software evaluation, and using the computer as a productivity tool, this MetroLINC Technology Pioneer is also a consultant to urban and suburban school systems.

lscott@boston.k12.ma.us


Books and Materials

Brochures from local Election Department, League of Women Voters material, campaign literature, periodical and newspaper articles

Technology Tools

Computers, ClarisWorks or Microsoft Works, Internet

 

Special #1
Database Detectives Record Clues

Special #2

Database Detectives Solve a Mystery

Special #3

Database Detectives Hold an Election


Value

When students get involved with the election process, they understand the rights and responsibilities of living in a democracy. This highly relevant format is easily shared with younger students. It also addresses the role of technology in the political process. Along with learning how information can be collected, used, and manipulated, students learn the importance of voting in a democratic society.