Understanding Elections and Civic Participation | 9 - 12 Grade
Discover my unique virtual Montessori class on Elections and Civic Participation for 9-12 graders, blending democracy, voter engagement, and civic duty into an interactive learning experience that empowers future leaders.
Quantum Montessori
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(5)
What's included
24 live meetings
36 in-class hoursAssessment
Yes. Formative, Diagnostic, and Summative Assessments. Any type of task assigned to a student is a form of assessment.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Hello, I'm Mr. Tom, and I'm thrilled to invite 9th to 12th graders to join my virtual Montessori class on "Elections and Civic Participation"! This 1.5-hour class, held three times a week over eight weeks, is a student-led exploration into the heart of American democracy. We'll dive deep into the election process, qualifications for running for office, what influences voters, and why political participation is crucial for our society. Through project-based learning, students will take charge of their educational journey, applying Montessori principles to understand the framework of American elections intimately. This class is designed to be interactive and student-led, fostering an environment where students can explore their curiosities, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the significance of political participation in our democratic system. By the end of this course, students will not only have a deep understanding of the American electoral process but also be able to critically evaluate its functioning and suggest meaningful reforms. Oyr schedule is designed to provide comprehensive insights into the electoral process and the importance of civic participation, encouraging students to become informed and engaged citizens. Join me in this engaging journey to demystify the complexities of American elections and empower ourselves as informed citizens and potential future leaders.
Learning Goals
My goal for this class is to help students make sense of their world by giving them a context within which they can develop into engaged, motivated and self-regulated learners. Weekly goals are outlined:
Week 1-2: Introduction to the basic rules governing U.S. elections and their evolution. We'll cover the constitutional requirements for presidential candidates and how these have changed over time.
Week 3-4: Exploration of the structural determinants of election outcomes and their impact on the strategies of candidates, parties, and interest groups. This includes understanding the nomination process and campaign strategies.
Week 5-6: Investigation into what influences voter decision-making and political participation. We'll look at factors that influence voting decisions and examine different aspects of voter behavior.
Week 7-8: Evaluation of the functioning of U.S. elections and discussion on proposals for reform. Students will apply what they've learned to evaluate specific electoral contests and propose reforms to improve the electoral process.
Syllabus
24 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Democracy and Its Roots
Understanding the concept of democracy and historical perspectives. 90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Structure of the American Government
An overview of federal, state, and local governments. 90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Electoral College Explained
Breaking down the Electoral College and its role in presidential elections. 90 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Who Can Run? Eligibility and Requirements
Discussing the qualifications needed to run for office at different levels. 90 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The context of the class on Elections and Civic Participation for 9-12 graders, the content is educational and focused on the democratic process, political participation, and understanding electoral systems. The curriculum is designed to educate and empower students through knowledge and critical thinking about the political system.
However, discussions on political topics can sometimes lead to sensitive subjects or opinions that may be strong or diverse. It's essential to approach these discussions with respect and consideration for all viewpoints, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
No specific content or media used in the class is expected to have an official rating, as materials will be selected based on educational value and appropriateness for the age group.
All discussions, including those that may touch on current events or political issues, will be moderated to ensure they remain respectful and educational.
If any approved third-party tools are used for class activities (e.g., online research platforms, educational websites), families will be informed ahead of time about the purpose of these tools, how they will be used in the class, and whether an account creation is necessary. All tools selected will comply with data privacy and security policies to protect students.
Students are advised to practice online safety, including not sharing personal information and being cautious of online interactions.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
https://k12database.unc.edu/activity/
https://www.icivics.org/
https://gop.com/about-our-party/
https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/
https://ballotpedia.org/Presidential_candidates,_2024
Joined October, 2023
5.0
5reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 teachers have teaching certificates
Illinois Teaching Certificate in Music/Theater/Arts
Texas Teaching Certificate
3 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Music from University of Tennessee
Master's Degree from Cranfield University Bedfordshire
Master's Degree in Education from Wright State University
1 teacher has a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Babcock University
Tom Berriman, Secondary Guide & Coach
Thomas Berriman is an accomplished educator leader with over 16 years of experience in K-12 schools. He earned his bachelor's degree in social studies from Lake Superior State University in 2004 and his master's degree in education administration from Grand Canyon University in 2011.
Tom began his career as a Social Studies teacher in Michigan in 2005 as a High School Geography and US History teacher. In 2007, Tom and his wife moved to North Carolina where he taught at Anson County and Montgomery County Public Schools until 2013. He taught social studies, coached sports, and earned praise for his innovative teaching methods. Seeking to expand his impact, Berriman became an Assistant Principal and Instructional Coach at Montgomery Learning Academy in 2013. He helped improve school operations, discipline, and curriculum.
In 2014, Berriman stepped into school leadership as the Principal/Superintendent of Byron Center Charter School. His vision of educating the "whole child" helped shape the school's approach. Building on his charter school success, Berriman was hired as Principal of Alpena High School in 2017. Over 4 years, he dramatically improved attendance rates, decreased tardiness and discipline issues, and oversaw facilities upgrades. The school was recognized on the US News & World Report's top high schools list each year. In 2021, Berriman transitioned to becoming Principal of Ella White Elementary School, where he opened a new building and led it through construction challenges.
Throughout his educational roles, Berriman has been committed to staff development, relationship building, and restorative practices. He is skilled at managing change, budgets, and conflicts. His excellent communication and motivational abilities allow him to connect with students, teachers, parents, and the community. Tom has been part of professional development with the Michigan Council for Social Studies and was a member of the 2019 committee that created the new Civics state standards for Michigan.
Tom currently lives in Alpena, Michigan with his wife, Holly, and three children (Avia-9, Badin 7, and Emma-Coe 6). Tom was drawn to Social Studies through his passion for the Civil War and has been a Reenactor since 1993. As a Reenactor, Tom has participated in large national events at Shiloh, Antietam, Gettysburg, and Nashville. He has also participated in multiple movies and documentaries, including the National Park Service movies at Fredericksburg and Antietam. He is a registered High School and College baseball Umpire, as well as an avid Star Wars Lego builder.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$100
weekly or $800 for 24 classes3x per week, 8 weeks
90 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-12 learners per class
