Project Title: Analysis of 2017 Political Campaigns

AP US Government Ms. Seim Final Project 2017

Project Title: Analysis of 2017 political campaigns

Project Overview:  Students must develop a research question related to the US federal government  Polling procedures will be developed using research and information learned about polling procedures and methodology o Unbiased polling questions will be developed using research and information o Sample collection strategy will be developed to control for sample make-up as much as possible  Students will make a prediction regarding the results of their poll based on research.  Poll will be taken at one of the two sites described below  Students will analyze the polling results to: o Determine poll’s effectiveness and impartiality o Determine wider demographic trends o Analyze causality or spuriousness of noted relationships o Analyze how the results were similar or different from predictions and attempt explanation.

Sample Collection: Students will poll people in either 1) Times Square or 2) New Paltz High School to collect data on public opinion regarding public opinion on the government.

1) Times Square was chosen for its historic relevance as well as an area where large groups of people from many areas of the country will be gathered on a Monday around the lunch hour. Students will be conducting surveys of randomly chosen individuals and, in some cases, filming the responses. Individuals will be asked if they are comfortable being filmed or photographed beforehand. All students are in groups of 4-5 and must remain together as a cohort. Sample sizes are expected to be at least 30 individuals over a period of four hours. You must get approval of your project before beginning your survey.

2) New Paltz High School was selected as an alternative to Times Square for people who cannot attend the class field trip. Students will be conducting surveys of randomly chosen individuals and, in some cases, filming the responses. Individuals will be asked if they are comfortable being filmed or photographed beforehand. You must get approval of your project before beginning your survey.

Final Project must include:  One written essay per group that explains what you expected to find, what you did find, and the reasons to support your findings. (2-4 pages, double spaced, plus a works cited page)  Multiple images or video that adds understanding and meaning to your project.  Evidence that all group members were actively involved.  Questions asked in survey and answers (written form attached to essay)  Presentation of findings and video/images to class accompanied by findings in your paper. Schedule (Approximate)

Friday, May 19  Local Issue Debates/Articles and Discussion  Introduction to Research Project  Formation of Research Groups Tuesday, May 23  Read article on developing polling questions  Read article on questioning practices  Brainstorm possible topics for survey  Brainstorm overall research question (what issue and what influences on people) Thursday, May 25  Prepare polling questions on government  Prepare demographic info to collect Wednesday, May 31  Read article on polling trends  Submit predictions of your poll based on these trends  Finalize question phrasing, order, etc. Friday, June 2 Field trip to NYC  Depart 8:00 AM  Return approximately 4:00 PM Tuesday, June 6  Analyze results of poll and data  Work on paper and presentation Thursday, June 8  Analyze results of poll and data  Work on paper and presentation Monday, June 12 Final Presentations.  ALL VOLUNTEER HOURS DUE  ALL MEETING SHEETS DUE

Final Paper Rubric: Results Student Evidence Images/Video 90-100 Respondents answers In depth & analytical Abundant images, video, to polled questions; experience that enriches or other aspects (5) that *All projects will well- analyzed for your topic and shows viscerally impact include a works meaning, error, or involvement of group. audience and add to cited page. confusion. Q/A are presentation. discussed. 80-90 Respondents answers In depth Abundant images, video, to polled questions; experience that enriches or other aspects (4) that present findings your topic and shows viscerally impact without analyzing involvement of most of audience and add to results. Q/A are group. presentation. discussed. 70-80 Respondents answers Only a portion of your Some images, video (3) to polled questions are group has been involved that impact audience and viewed and Q/A are in production, polling. add to presentation. discussed. Group is fractured 60-70 Only questions and 1-2 group members run Few images (1-2) or answers are discussed entire presentation and only a brief video or only respondents are poll. accompany presentation. shown answering.