New Mascot for ABC Elementary
	(An Elections Webquest for 2/3 classes)

Introduction

The school board has just announced that due to a fabulous construction team and beautiful weather, it will be opening ABC Elementary school this fall.  However before building can be completed, a mascot and school colors must be chosen.  Since there is little time to get everyone's opinion, the board has decided to let one local elementary class make the decision about what the new mascot should be.

Task

Your class has been selected by the school board to be in charge of deciding what the mascot will be for the new elementary school that is being built and is scheduled to open in the Fall.  The school board needs to know as soon as possible which mascot is the best so they can put a picture of the mascot on the gym floor and on the sign outside the new building.  They have given you four choices.  They want each mascot to be seriously considered and then your class must vote for the winner.  In order to be certain that each mascot gets a fair chance, you will work in groups to campaign for one mascot.  At the end of the campaign, your class will vote on the winner.

Process

You will be divided into four teams.  Each team will be assigned one of the following mascots and sets of school colors:

Green and Yellow	Red and Black	Gold and Navy	Orange and Purple

Each team must complete the following:

• Decide on a name for your mascot  (Example:  Barry the Bear)

• Decide on a slogan for the mascot and the school (Example:  The Brave-hearted Bears)

• Write down at least 3 reasons why your mascot is the best candidate.

• Make a campaign poster for your mascot to use to convince everyone else to vote for him.

• Present your poster with the mascot name, slogan and reasons why it is the best candidate to the class.

After each team campaigns for their candidate, each person in the class will vote for the candidate that they like best.  You do not have to vote for the candidate you campaigned for.

Resources

You will need the following items:

• poster board or bulletin board paper

• picture of your mascot

• crayons or markers

• pencil and eraser

After each group shares about their mascot, visit the electronic voting booth to cast your vote.

Evaluation

Each team will be evaluated on their poster, their mascot name, mascot slogan, and the reasons given to support your candidate.  You will also be evaluated on your classroom presentation.

Conclusion

The school board would like to thank your class for your hard work in choosing the mascot for ABC Elementary school.  The results of your campaigning and voting will displayed so the public can see how you arrived at your decision.  The future students of ABC Elementary also say, "Thank You!"