Inquiries Filed Under:

Voting

About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of youth voting practices. By investigating the compelling question of whether or not they will vote, students consider the ways in which the voting habits of youth (citizens who are 18–29 years old) provide a unique opportunity to reflect on their own voting preferences. In investigating the issues behind youth voting, students evaluate their interests to determine whether or not they will vote in the next election.

Compelling Question

Am I Going to Vote?

Staging Question

UNDERSTAND: Investigate the registration process for voting.
ASSESS: Discuss whether or not students in class would or could register to vote.

Supporting Question

How has the youth voter changed over time?

Formative Tasks

List short-term and long-term trends in the youth voting record.

Sources

Source A: Census demographic data 1964–2012 Source B: “Youth Voters Supported Obama Less, But May Have Mattered More”

Supporting Question

What are the reasons some youth choose to vote?

Formative Tasks

Develop a claim supported by evidence that answers the supporting question.

Sources

Source A: “The Fight for the Right to Vote in the United States” Source B: “I Make Government Work” Source C: “Youth Voting Quick Facts”

Supporting Question

What are the reasons some youth choose not to vote?

Formative Tasks

Develop a claim supported by evidence that answers the supporting question.

Sources

Source A: “Why Don't Youth Vote: Young People Respond” Source B: “Why Young People Don’t Vote” Source C: “Youth Vote”

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question “Am I going to vote?” using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing perspectives.

Extension: Participate in a class discussion on their decisions to register or not register to vote by examining whether or not they are likely to vote in the next presidential election.

Taking Informed Action

No data found.

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