Matt Frutchey

Field II
Professor Reilly
Title

Understanding the Primary Election & Party

Subject Area(s)

Civics

Grade Level

8th Grade
Students will discuss the differences between
democrats and republicans, the Primary
election process, and identify current (2016)
candidates.
5.3.7.D
Identify leadership positions and the role of
political party affiliation at the local, state,
and national levels.
5.3.9.E
Compare and contrast the different election
processes for local, state, and national
offices.
5.3.8.H
1. What are the main, general differences
between Republicans and Democrats?
2. What is the purpose of the primary
election?
1. Students will be able to differentiate

Summary of the Lesson

Standards: (as applicable)

International Standards
National Standards
Professional Organization Standards
PA Academic Standards
PA Core Standards
Essential Questions

Objectives

Vocabulary:

between Republican candidates and

Democratic candidates by completing a
jigsaw activity.
2. Students will be able to summarize the
primary election process by explaining,
on their homework, the process of
becoming a candidate and progressing
through
the primary election.
Primary Election
Candidate
Republican
Democrat
Caucus
Delegate
Campaign
Convention

Estimated Time

Approx. 45 minutes

Materials Required

Whiteboard, Projector, Handouts, Poster

Paper, Markers

Procedure
Each professor may choose to align
this section to his/her content areas.
This section will include anticipated
areas of differentiated instruction.

In a succinct way, describe the step by

step format for your lesson. It is not
necessary to script the lesson.
Demonstrate your knowledge of
differentiation and scaffolding. You will
use the Before/During/After format.
Discuss the following components:
BEFORE:
Anticipatory Set - What are the two
main political parties in the United
States? What's going on in the news
lately? (Gain attention, stimulate recall of
prior learning)
Statement of Learning - Write
objectives on the board (Inform learners
of objectives)

Formative Assessment

DURING:
How do we begin to select a candidate
for President out of the 300 million+
people in our country? Explain the
categorization of political parties.
(Presenting content)
Model jigsaw activity, do an example
with them, assign them to do one
regarding key differences between
Republicans and Democrats. (Elicit
performance)
Checking for Understanding Questions throughout, asking for
clarifications on jigsaw activity, probing
for more details if needed (Providing
feedback, enhance retention)
AFTER:
Recap lesson (Enhance retention)
Assign homework to
summarize/describe how a candidate
Questioning throughout the lesson, check
for details on jigsaw activity

Student Resources

Worksheet, YouTube video

Accommodations

Accommodations will be aligned to students'

Assessment

I.E.P.
Homework assignment to show the process
of becoming a candidate for presidency and
the primary election.