Time to Tally

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Overview

This Desmos activity will lead students through a lesson on three voting methods: Plurality, Instant Run-Off, and Borda Count. The students will take the results of a classroom election or from Meet the Candidates (Before Activity) to determine a winner using each of these three methods. The students will see the weakness of plurality when there are three or more candidates. This lesson will show that not every voting system is perfect, and that each has its strengths and weaknesses. It will also promote thought, discussion, and understanding of the various methods of voting.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Applications of Finite Mathematics

MA19.FM.23

Apply a variety of methods for determining a winner using a preferential ballot voting system, including plurality, majority, run-off with majority, sequential run-off with majority, Borda count, pairwise comparison, Condorcet, and approval voting.

UP:MA19.FM.23

Vocabulary

  • Ranked choice voting or preferential ballot voting
  • Plurality winner
  • Majority winner
  • Runoff method
  • Simple majority
  • Sequential runoff (instant runoff) method
  • Borda count
  • Condorcet method
  • Approval voting

Knowledge

Students know:

  • Basic voting methods such as single choice ballots.

Skills

Students are able to:

  • Interpret data from ranked-choice voting ballots or summarized in preference schedules.
  • Use data to determine an election winner using a variety of methods.
  • Compare and contrast the methods and their results.

Understanding

Students understand that:

  • Various election methods can be used to achieve a group decision from the preferences of the individuals of the group.

Body

  1. Apply a variety of methods for determining a winner using a preferential ballot voting system, including plurality, majority, run-off with majority, sequential run-off with majority, Borda count, pairwise comparison, Condorcet, and approval voting.

Learning Objectives

Students will apply a variety of methods for determining a winner using a preferential ballot voting system, including plurality, instant run-off with the majority, and Borda count.

 

Activity Details

The teacher will:

  1. Direct each student to the Desmos learning activity, Time to Tally.
  2. The teacher will supply the students with the voting results of a classroom election or from Meet the Candidates (Before Activity).
  3. Instruct the students to follow and answer the prompts provided in the activity independently.  
  4. Use the Pacing or Pause feature on the Teacher Dashboard to keep students working together. (The teacher may want to introduce each method before students begin working.)
  5. The teacher should monitor students' progress on Desmos to identify problems or gaps in learning.

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will monitor the students' answers in Desmos for assessment purposes. 

Variation Tips

  • Students could work in pairs to complete this activity.
  • If students do not have access to a device, the activity could be done as a whole group activity. If using with a whole group, the teacher should have students write their answers on whiteboards or on paper and check for mistakes. 

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need to ensure the classroom has the following:

  • internet connection (WiFi).
  • classroom set of computers, iPads, or smart devices. (If allowed students can use their own personal devices.)

Prior to the lesson:

  • the teacher will need to assign the Time to Tally Desmos student activity to each student.
  • the teacher will need to provide the students with the result of the voting from any voting project where the students used a ranking system or Meet the Candidates (Before Activity).
  • the teacher should be familiar with Desmos and create a free class code for the activity. If the teacher does not have a Desmos account, a free Desmos account can be created.
  • the teacher should work through the Desmos problems and be familiar with possible student responses. (Teaching prompts and sample responses are at the bottom of the activity.)
https://teacher.desmos.com/activitybuilder/custom/62ce08fc52df5fd11c9f381b

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

mrswhite
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