Activity Overview
For this activity, students will take part in a classroom democracy that allows each student an opportunity to voice their opinions on the world that they live in. This activity can serve as an introduction to the unit, as it allows them to participate in a democratic process without necessarily using the complex topics and vocabulary that will be introduced further on.
Students will create a spider map that includes four issues, topics, or problems in our society and their proposed ideas or solutions to the issue, topic, or problem. Below are a list of topics or questions that teachers can either allow students to choose from or specifically assign to the class, groups, or individual students. Teachers could also allow students to choose their own topic or idea that they wish to change in the classroom, school, town, city, state, or even country!
Example Guiding Questions For Activity
Classroom
- How should the desks be arranged in the classroom?
- What should the homework policy look like?
- What should testing procedures be?
School
- What classes would you like to add to the schedule?
- What should the cell phone policy look like?
- What classes should we have to take?
State
- What should the driving age of the state be?
- Who should be able to own a gun in the state?
- Should our state allow...(gambling, fireworks, marijuana...)?
Nation
- Should the death penalty be legal?
- What should the voting age be?
- How should the government spend the taxes of the citizens?
Extended Activity:
Following this activity, students will be able to share their spider maps with the rest of their class. Teachers can create stations around their room where students can interact with the creators of each spider map and cast a vote or opinion on each issue. This activity will allow students to not only take part in a democratic process, but also be able to voice their opinions with their peers. Teachers can facilitate this activity by tallying the votes for each station and closing the activity with a summary of how the class voted. For a more advanced course, students can take this voting process to the next level by analyzing the demographics of each voter and describe the voting trends of each demographic.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map proposing four ideas or solutions for different issues, topics, or problems.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the center of the spider map, enter the question, issue, topic, or problem you will be working with.
- In each title box, enter the name of your proposed solution/idea.
- Write a summary of why the solution/idea is and why it should be implemented.
- Create an illustration for each using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
For this activity, students will take part in a classroom democracy that allows each student an opportunity to voice their opinions on the world that they live in. This activity can serve as an introduction to the unit, as it allows them to participate in a democratic process without necessarily using the complex topics and vocabulary that will be introduced further on.
Students will create a spider map that includes four issues, topics, or problems in our society and their proposed ideas or solutions to the issue, topic, or problem. Below are a list of topics or questions that teachers can either allow students to choose from or specifically assign to the class, groups, or individual students. Teachers could also allow students to choose their own topic or idea that they wish to change in the classroom, school, town, city, state, or even country!
Example Guiding Questions For Activity
Classroom
- How should the desks be arranged in the classroom?
- What should the homework policy look like?
- What should testing procedures be?
School
- What classes would you like to add to the schedule?
- What should the cell phone policy look like?
- What classes should we have to take?
State
- What should the driving age of the state be?
- Who should be able to own a gun in the state?
- Should our state allow...(gambling, fireworks, marijuana...)?
Nation
- Should the death penalty be legal?
- What should the voting age be?
- How should the government spend the taxes of the citizens?
Extended Activity:
Following this activity, students will be able to share their spider maps with the rest of their class. Teachers can create stations around their room where students can interact with the creators of each spider map and cast a vote or opinion on each issue. This activity will allow students to not only take part in a democratic process, but also be able to voice their opinions with their peers. Teachers can facilitate this activity by tallying the votes for each station and closing the activity with a summary of how the class voted. For a more advanced course, students can take this voting process to the next level by analyzing the demographics of each voter and describe the voting trends of each demographic.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a spider map proposing four ideas or solutions for different issues, topics, or problems.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the center of the spider map, enter the question, issue, topic, or problem you will be working with.
- In each title box, enter the name of your proposed solution/idea.
- Write a summary of why the solution/idea is and why it should be implemented.
- Create an illustration for each using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Democracy in the Classroom Activity
How to Facilitate a Classroom Debate After the Voting Activity
Encourage students to share and defend their spider map solutions in a structured debate. This process helps students practice respectful discussion and critical thinking. Guide them to use evidence and listen actively to peers as they explain their positions.
Set Clear Debate Guidelines
Establish simple rules for the debate, such as taking turns, listening respectfully, and using evidence to support ideas. Clear guidelines keep the discussion positive and on-topic.
Assign Speaking Roles
Designate who will present, respond, and moderate. Assigning roles helps all students participate and ensures a fair process.
Model Respectful Disagreement
Demonstrate how to disagree politely by using sentence starters like, "I see your point, but..." Modeling respectful language builds a safe environment for discussion.
Reflect on What Was Learned
Guide students to share what new perspectives they gained and how their views may have changed. Reflection deepens understanding of democratic values and respectful citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions about Democracy in the Classroom Activity
What is a classroom democracy activity?
A classroom democracy activity is a lesson where students participate in decision-making processes, voice their opinions, and experience democratic principles firsthand within a classroom setting.
How do you implement the democracy in the classroom activity with students?
Start by having students pick or are assigned real-world issues, create spider maps with solutions, and then share and vote on ideas, allowing everyone to engage in a democratic process and reflect on the outcomes together.
What are some engaging topics for a classroom democracy lesson?
Engaging topics include desk arrangements, homework policies, cell phone rules, voting age, and school schedules. Allowing students to choose topics relevant to their lives increases participation and interest.
Why is using a spider map effective for a democracy activity?
A spider map helps students visually organize multiple issues and solutions, making it easier to present ideas, foster discussion, and support democratic decision-making in the classroom.
How can teachers adapt this activity for different grade levels?
Teachers can simplify topics for younger students or introduce more complex issues and demographic analysis for older or advanced students, tailoring instructions and support as needed.
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