Seniors Experience Politics First-Hand

In the American Government class at Lakeland Christian School, "learning by doing" is given an added dimension.

According to Austin Temperley, social studies teacher, the class, which is a semester course coupled with economics, is a discussion-oriented class focusing on the United States Constitution and how it applies to the lives of students today.

"The class is very interactive and I learn a lot. Before the beginning of the year, I didn't know anything about government and how it works," said Stephanie Livesay, senior.

Joe Brown, also a senior, said that the class gives him a new perspective on political views and an opportunity to express opinion.

An advantage of having a primary election during the school year is students can participate in "grass roots" politics and they have primary sources at their fingertips, according to Temperley.

"Everything in the class is now relevant because of the election. People listen," said senior Michal Mutz.

Brown said that the election year gives the class more topics to discuss and is perfect for the class.

"During an election year, candidates are more specific for what they stand for. During a nonelection year, you can see the race in a broader perspective," said Jessica White, senior.

One of the projects in which students participated was to research a pre-selected candidate, either Democrat or Republican, in groups of three. Each group made propaganda, like a poster or a video, and presented it along with a speech to the class in a mock Iowa-style Caucus Primary. Students then voted for which candidate, regardless of party, was best represented.

Activities planned for the rest of the semester include making and presenting bills and reviewing controversial Supreme Court cases, according to Temperley.

"We'll read some newspapers, watch video segments, and have debates just like we have done since the beginning of the year," said Temperley.