Teachers should give their high school students a lesson on how elections work. Talk to your students and ask them some simple questions that will help you know how much or how little they actually know about presidential elections.
Review the term Democrat and Republican and go over some principals that each group holds. Make sure that you are not explaining these groups to your students from a biased point of view. In other words, if you are a Democrat then don't try to sway the students to follow your beliefs. The same goes if you are a Republican.
Tell students that their newest writing assignment is going to be about the elections. Students need to research each candidates position and personal beliefs. They can then compare those positions to their own. Students should be able to identify with one group and explain why.
Next students should pin point two or three of the issues that they feel are the most important. The student should be instructed to explain each of the issues, why they are important, and what could possibly be done about it.
Remind students that unless they are 18 years old they cannot vote. They can, however, become knowledgeable on the subject so that they are better prepared to get involved when they do turn eighteen. Teach them how to register to vote anyway, that way they will be knowledgeable when it is time.
Grading should be based on two things. One, the essay follows proper grammar and spelling rules. You should encourage the students to use a word processing program on their computer to prepare the report, making sure to use the spell check and the grammar check. And two, the student shows they have researched the subject and have identified with one of the parties. They should have also discussed two or three of the political issues on the agenda.
Optional:
Have the students do research during computer class and prepare an outline. This will help kids organize their thoughts and will give any student who doesn't have a computer at home a chance to get their research done.