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 the Question:
UNDERSTAND: Investigate the registration process for voting.
ASSESS: Discuss whether or not students in class would or could register to vote.
1
Supporting Question How has the youth voter changed over time?
Formative Task 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”
2
Supporting Question What are the reasons some youth choose to vote?
Formative Task 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”
3
Supporting Question What are the reasons some youth choose not to vote?
Formative Task 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
Understand: Accomplished through the Staging the Compelling Question Task
Assess: Accomplished through the Staging the Compelling Question Task
Act: Register to vote or decide not to register to vote.