Objective

By the end of this lesson, Charlie will have a better understanding of the 2020 Presidential election campaign, focusing on Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. He will learn about their key policies, campaign strategies, and the impact of their campaigns on American society. Charlie will also develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the differences and similarities between the two candidates.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for taking notes
• Access to a computer or tablet for research
• Printed articles or summaries about Trump and Harris (can be found online)
• Whiteboard (or paper) for brainstorming ideas

Before the lesson, ensure that Charlie has a basic understanding of what a presidential election is and the role of candidates in the electoral process. It may also help to have a brief overview of the political parties involved.

Activities

• Candidate Research:

  Charlie will spend some time researching Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. He will look for information on their backgrounds, key policies, and campaign strategies. After his research, he will create a simple comparison chart highlighting the main differences and similarities between the two candidates.

• Mock Debate:

  Charlie will participate in a mock debate where he will take on the role of either Trump or Harris. He will prepare arguments based on his research and engage in a friendly debate with a family member or friend, discussing their policies and vision for America.

• Campaign Poster Creation:

  Using art supplies or digital tools, Charlie will create a campaign poster for either Trump or Harris. He should include key slogans, images, and policy points that represent the candidate's campaign. This activity encourages creativity while reinforcing what he has learned.

• Reflection and Discussion:

  After completing the activities, Charlie will write a short reflection on what he learned about the election campaign. He can also discuss how the campaigns made him feel about the candidates and what issues matter most to him.

Talking Points

• "Donald Trump was the incumbent president during the 2020 election, which means he was already in office and running for re-election."
• "Kamala Harris made history by being the first woman of South Asian and African American descent nominated for vice president by a major party."
• "Trump's campaign focused on 'Make America Great Again,' emphasizing economic growth and border security."
• "Harris's campaign highlighted issues like healthcare, climate change, and social justice."
• "Both candidates used social media heavily to connect with voters and share their messages."
• "The 2020 election was unique because it took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting how people voted."
• "Understanding their policies helps us see how they might affect our lives and the future of our country."
• "Debates are an important part of the election process, allowing voters to see how candidates handle tough questions."
• "It's important to think critically about what each candidate says and how they plan to implement their ideas."
• "Learning about different candidates helps us become informed voters in the future."
• "How did the campaigns make you feel about the issues that matter to you?"
• "What do you think is the most important quality in a president?"
• "Remember, it's okay to have your own opinions and to discuss them respectfully with others!"