Curriculum Development

Korean Dancers-sm.jpg

The Taft Institute Curriculum Development Program stresses active learning on critical topics. We develop our curricula in collaboration with teachers and those active in politics. Products related to curriculum, such as teachers manuals for simulations and lesson plans, are available without charge to teachers.

Election Simulation Game

Our hands-on, reality-based Election Simulation Game, developed in collaboration with the teachers of Townsend Harris High School, promotes an in-depth understanding of politics in general, and elections in particular. It's also a lot of fun for students and teachers.

At Townsend Harris, the simulation involves the whole school and begins with the first day of classes in September and continues until election day in November. We simulate each election as it is happening, in the following order:

◦ Presidential Primaries (e.g. 2019)

◦ Presidential Elections (e.g. 2020)

◦ New York City Mayoral Election (e.g. 2021)

◦ New York State Gubernatorial, Senatorial, and Legislative Elections (e.g. 2022)

Here's why it works. The Election Simulation Game is:

◦ Rigorous – students are graded on how well they play candidates, campaign managers, journalists,

or interest group leaders.

◦ Engaging – the competitive nature of the game taps into students’ desire to win; the open process

means a break from classroom routines; and the chance to be creative is fun.

◦ Ambitious – students must research their real world counterparts and, like them, raise money

(SIMBUCKS) in order to be effective. Thus students are challenged to develop real world skills and

knowledge.

Teacher's manuals for the Election Simulation Games are made available gratis each year for Single Classroom and Whole School versions. CLICK HERE

If you want to run your own selection simulation, Professors Zevin and Krasner are available to provide technical assistance. CONTACT US

Maxiopolis

Developed by Professor Jack Zevin, Maxiopolis is a game of City Council for the present and the future.
This provocative and lively simulation of municipal decision-making engages students and adults alike by posing plausible policy dilemmas and assigning roles defined by conflicting interests.

The Teacher's Manual with complete instructions is available HERE.

The September 11^th Education Program

The Taft Institute’s location, and its connections to New York City’s schools, mandated involvement with the events and aftermath of the 9/11/2001 attacks. Shortly after the attacks took place, the Institute prepared and distributed teaching materials to New York City Schools. This involvement became deeper when the Institute was approached by the World Trade Center United Family Group, a group founded by survivors and relatives of victims, to participate in the development of a 9/11 curriculum. After a lengthy and intense period of discussion, research, and collaboration, The September 11^th Education Program was created. Includes two cd’s of background materialsm such as interviews with survivors and political leaders, as well as handouts for students and lesson plans.

The curriculum is now available from Social Studies School Service HERE

IN DEVELOPMENT: Immigration In The 21st Century

With support from members of the New York City Council, the Institute has been working with teachers from Robert F. Kennedy High School to develop a new curriculum for teaching immigration, especially the dynamics of the new immigrant groups that have flocked to the United States in general, and Queens in particular in recent years. Professors Zevin, Krasner, and Pierre-Louis, Jr. have worked on this project.

When completed, this curriculum will be vailable here.

The Taft Institute for Government & Civic Education

65-30 Kissena Boulevard

Queens, New York, 11367-1597

PHONE: 718.997.5188

EMAIL: makrasner@gmail.com

Help us keep our services free-of-charge by making a tax-deductible contribution TODAY!

Created and Managed by AragonSmallBiz

PHONE: 718.997.5188