Election 2008!
There is so much available that it required its own separate page. Email me with ideas and links and I will post them. Also, check out my histrygeek blog for some interesting links, feeds and opinions. I will continue to update this page, even though the election is over.
Interactive for Students:
PBS Video Your Vote
Video Your Vote is a non-partisan program produced in partnership between YouTube, PBS and NewsHour encouraging voters to document their voting experiences on video. The initiative educates voters on the entire process and a wide array of issues associated with voting in America, while enabling the world to watch pivotal moments in this historic election as they unfold.PBS and YouTube are encouraging participants to think creatively – the videos do NOT have to be taken at the polling place, rather they just need to be related to the topic of voting and Election Day. For example, participants can film themselves or their friends at home or on the street, talking about what their experience at the polls was like. In fact, stations and participants are cautioned that in some states, e.g. Kentucky, and Michigan, videotaping at the polling place is expressly prohibited by law.
Registered United States voters can share their voting experiences via the Video Your Vote YouTube Channel. On November 4, the Channel will serve as the premier online destination for up-to-the-minute coverage from voters contributing videos straight from thousands of precincts across the country. Some of the best videos will be showcased on PBS television, as part of The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer’s Election Day broadcast. They may also be used throughout PBS’ election coverage, both on-air and online.
www.youtube.com/videoyourvote.KQED You Decide
"You Decide is an online devil’s advocate designed to challenge your point of view on current issues. Perhaps the arguments in these activities will encourage you to reconsider your position... or maybe not. But one thing is certain. The issues Americans face are complex, our opinions are passionately held, and the devil is in the details. Think you know where you stand? You just might surprise yourself."
http://www.kqed.org/w/youdecide/Ask Your Lawmaker
"You ask, you vote, we get answers." A place where students and citizens alike can ask questions of the lawmakers in power and get their responses. Includes blogs, podcasts, and widgets for your site.
http://www.askyourlawmaker.org/iCitizen Forum from Colonial Williamsburg
"Created by Colonial Williamsburg, iCitizenForum promotes understanding of the balance between rights and responsibilities in a historical context. There are lessons in the founding ideas and ideals of the American experiment in democracy and in the contributions of newer democracies. Colonial Williamsburg advances the understanding of the responsibilities we share as national and world citizens. Online debate encourages participants to consider their obligations to one another as members of a global body politic."
http://www.icitizenforum.com/Jefferson's Blog
"A fun spin on the Constitution of the U.S. Thomas Jefferson blogs about how the founding fathers (would) feel about current political and social issues. Topics include: "Should the Government regulate the banks?"; "How has war changed in the last 200 years?"; "Do party divisions hurt decision making?"Informative for Students
The Living Room Candidate: Presidential Campaign Commericals: 1952-2008
"In a media-saturated environment in which news, opinions, and entertainment surround us all day on our television sets, computers, and cell phones, the television commercial remains the one area where presidential candidates have complete control over their images. Television commercials use all the tools of fiction filmmaking, including script, visuals, editing, and performance, to distill a candidate's major campaign themes into a few powerful images. Ads elicit emotional reactions, inspiring support for a candidate or raising doubts about his opponent. While commercials reflect the styles and techniques of the times in which they were made, the fundamental strategies and messages have tended to remain the same over the years...
The Living Room Candidate contains more than 300 commercials, from every presidential election since 1952, when Madison Avenue advertising executive Rosser Reeves convinced Dwight Eisenhower that short ads played during such popular TV programs as I Love Lucy would reach more voters than any other form of advertising. This innovation had a permanent effect on the way presidential campaigns are run."
http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/Captiol News Connection from CNN
"CNC's award-winning journalists track down lawmakers in Congress and on the campaign trail to get your questions answered. CNC brings politics home to public radio listeners."
http://www.cncnews.org/index.php?files=elections08.phpProject VoteSmart
"The voter's sefl-defense system." This site allows you to view the voting history of all US representatives and senators, and the outcome. Then click on the bill to read what it was all about. Below are links for Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain:
http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=53270
http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=9490The Democracy Project
From PBSKids, for grades 4-9
http://pbskids.org/democracy/BrainPop Spotlight: Election 2008
Branches of Government, Democracy, Political Beliefs, Political Parties, Party Origins, Primaries and Caucuses, Voting, Womens Sufferage. For k-7
http://www.brainpop.com/spotlight/election/
Bens Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
For grades K-12
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
Links from the History News Network:
Meltdown 2008 The Debates Sarah Palin Freddie/Fannie Bush Doctrine Election 2008 Bush Worst President? Veeps 9/11 Primaries Barack Obama Obama and Race John McCain Gender and '08 Electing Presidents
Do you really know where the candidates stand? Take our new Vote by Issue quiz to find out how GOP and Democratic presidential candidates stack up on key election issues.
http://www.votebyissue.org/election2008/
election study guide
history teachers
I have an AIM screen name "histrygeek33" for the purpose of keeping in touch with my students after school hours incase they have any questions on assignments or class notes. During times in which there are important projects or essays due, I will increase times and post them here. Please keep this contact professional and work related.
