Activity Overview
When introducing a new unit in history, especially those revolving around government and elections, it's helpful for students to become familiar with terminology at the start of the lesson. This can also include the steps of the process, or specific verbiage that appears multiple times.
To better understand terminology used in describing and explaining government and the electoral process, have students create a spider map of the overall process. By identifying and defining key terms, students will be able to better explain and connect the terms to the historical context of the election of 1800. Students will also be able to apply this terminology to future lessons that have political components.
Example Terms for the Electoral Process
- Political Party
- Electoral College
- Federal vs State
- House of Representatives
- Incumbent
- Popular Vote
Extended Activity
Have students select five more terms related to the political process and make a separate spider map. This will expand student vocabulary, and their understanding of political terminology. Furthermore, it will strengthen their understanding of the political process in a historical context.
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 storyboard defining and illustrating key terminology for the Election of 1800 and the electoral process.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, enter the term.
- In the description, enter a definition and summary of the term and it's relation to the Election of 1800.
- Create illustrations to visualize each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
Activity Overview
When introducing a new unit in history, especially those revolving around government and elections, it's helpful for students to become familiar with terminology at the start of the lesson. This can also include the steps of the process, or specific verbiage that appears multiple times.
To better understand terminology used in describing and explaining government and the electoral process, have students create a spider map of the overall process. By identifying and defining key terms, students will be able to better explain and connect the terms to the historical context of the election of 1800. Students will also be able to apply this terminology to future lessons that have political components.
Example Terms for the Electoral Process
- Political Party
- Electoral College
- Federal vs State
- House of Representatives
- Incumbent
- Popular Vote
Extended Activity
Have students select five more terms related to the political process and make a separate spider map. This will expand student vocabulary, and their understanding of political terminology. Furthermore, it will strengthen their understanding of the political process in a historical context.
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 storyboard defining and illustrating key terminology for the Election of 1800 and the electoral process.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, enter the term.
- In the description, enter a definition and summary of the term and it's relation to the Election of 1800.
- Create illustrations to visualize each term using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | The definition is correct. | The definition is partially correct. | The definition is incorrect. |
| Visualizations | The storyboard cells clearly illustrate the meaning of the vocabulary words. | The storyboard cells relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words, but are difficult to understand. | The storyboard cells do not clearly relate to the meaning of the vocabulary words. |
How Tos about Key Terms of the Electoral Process
Engage Students with Interactive Electoral Process Vocabulary Games
Bring energy and active learning to your classroom by using games like vocabulary bingo, charades, or matching cards with electoral terms. These activities help students recall and use key terms in context, making learning memorable and fun.
Assign Roles for Small Group Discussions on Election Terms
Designate each student a specific electoral term to research and explain in their small group. This encourages collaboration and ensures every student becomes an expert on at least one key concept, deepening their understanding through peer teaching.
Incorporate Visual Aids to Reinforce Key Vocabulary
Use posters, anchor charts, or digital slides to visually display electoral terms and definitions around your classroom. Seeing these words daily helps students with retention and provides quick reference during activities and discussions.
Connect Vocabulary to Real-World Examples
Relate each electoral term to current or historical events, such as recent elections or famous government decisions. This builds relevance and helps students see the importance of the vocabulary beyond the classroom.
Assess Understanding with Quick-Check Activities
Use exit tickets, mini-quizzes, or oral Q&A sessions at the end of lessons to gauge how well students have learned the terms. These formative assessments guide you in planning review or extension activities as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Key Terms of the Electoral Process
What are the key terms students should know about the electoral process?
Key terms in the electoral process include Political Party, Electoral College, Federal vs State, House of Representatives, Incumbent, and Popular Vote. Understanding these helps students better grasp how U.S. elections work.
How can teachers help students learn electoral process vocabulary quickly?
Teachers can use spider maps or visual organizers to help students define and connect electoral terms. Having students illustrate and describe each term boosts understanding and retention.
What is the best way to teach the Election of 1800 vocabulary?
The best way is to assign students to create storyboards with definitions, summaries, and illustrations for each key term related to the Election of 1800 and the electoral process.
Why is it important for students to understand election terminology in history lessons?
Understanding election terminology helps students connect historical events to government processes, making it easier to analyze past elections and apply knowledge to future political topics.
What is a spider map activity for teaching political terms?
A spider map activity involves students visually organizing key political terms by defining and illustrating them, which deepens comprehension and supports vocabulary development in social studies.
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