The Road to the White House

By Shawn Healy

The title of the latest lesson plan designed by the Freedom Museum education staff, a simulation of the Presidential election. Designed for middle and high school students, this lesson plan seeks to illuminate an increasingly murky political process by assisting students with candidate research, followed by a step-by-step walk-through of both the primary and general election season, highlighted by role plays of the Iowa Caucuses and the New Hampshire Primary, a simulation of Tsunami Tuesday, and a demonstration of the inner workings of the infamous Electoral College.

The lesson folds out into a map perfect for any classroom wall that illustrates the lengthy process that begins on a cold January night in Iowa and culminates with Election Day on November 4, 2008. Oh, I almost forgot--it continues with members of the Electoral College voting on December 15th, followed by Inauguration Day on January 20, 2009.

We are hopeful that this election offers educators another one of those teachable moments, indeed many of them, for the elongated process requires persistent attention and thus explanation. It was our intention to provide teachers with the tools to make this happen, helping tomorrow's voters transcend political rhetoric, to engage in civil discourse with their peers and fellow citizens, and in turn become active participants in the election process.

To obtain a copy of the lesson for use in your classroom, please email our education staff at education@freedommuseum.us, or click here for a downloadable version of the document.