Young people and VotingSession Plan (1 hour)

CfE Outcome

I can debate the reasons why some people participate less than others in the electoral process and can express informed views about the importance of participating in a democracy. (Social Studies/People in Society, Economy and Business)

Session Outcomes

Develop an understanding of voting in Scotland

Explore motivations for voting in more detail

Know where to go for further information

Curriculum Level

Fourth

Resources Young Scot Have Your Say Channel http://www.youngscot.org/channels/haveyoursay/?ss=72&s=43&sr=65

About My Vote Website http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk Electoral Commission Scotland http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/scotland

Materials Line of Contention – large Agree and Disagree signs Do Politics Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zruGBWLk9s8

SESSION CONTENT TimeIntroduction

Line of contentionThis activity will help young people to start thinking about politics and voting. Place the agree statements and disagree signs at opposite ends of the room For each of the following statements young people have to

decide whether they agree or disagree and do and stand next the to relevant sign

Statements I have voted in the last year I voted for a contestant on Big Brother I have voted on the X-Factor You are able to register to vote when you are 16 and a half Voting is for people who are interested in politics

5 mins

Activity One

Students to watch the short video clip from the Electoral Commission Video called ‘Do Politics’

As young people are watching the video ask them to write down why it is important to vote

Ask the young people in pairs to discuss what they have written down and then each pair to feedback to the rest of the group

10 mins

Activity Two

To vote or not to voteAsk young people to split into three groups. Each group to pick one of the three following audience groups: Young people aged 18-26 Parents The elderly

Each group to discuss and record their feedback to the following questions: Why would they choose to vote? Why would they choose not to vote?

In the same groups ask young people to consider the consequences of not voting. “What would happen if we all decided not to vote or if we all had decided to stay in bed on Election Day?” Ask them to discuss and record their thoughts on the following two statements

If we didn’t vote the consequence in a year’s time could be…..

If we didn’t vote the consequence in ten years time could be…..

20 mins

Activity Three

Votes at 16Ask

20 mins

Evaluation Think feel doEach young person to think about the following questions, record their responses on post-it notes and stick them to the outline on the human being on the wall: what have they learnt from these sessions (stick post-its to

the head) How they feel about voting (stick post its to the head) What action are they going to take – it is important that this

is SMART (specific, measured, achievable, realistic, timed). These post its should be stuck to the hands of the

5 mins

human outline.Summary Where to go for more information

Young Scot – www.youngscot.org 5 mins