The Dirksen Center's site for kids -- Congress for Kids --
http://www.congressforkids.net -- gives you access to interactive, fun-filled
experiences designed to help you learn about the foundation of our federal
government and how its actions affect you. Although designed for students in
grades fourth through high school, other students, teachers, parents, and
interested citizens will find helpful, engaging activities, too.

Using appealing, full-color illustrations, and engaging activities, this site
will extend your learning in the basics about the American federal government.
Uncle Sam is the guide through Congress for Kids. He will introduce you to a new
skill or bit of knowledge, or review a skill you already have, or even test your
knowledge.



* NEW * IT'S MY PARTY, GETTING READY TO VOTE, & TRIVIA

> It's My Party <

Are you a Democrat, Republican, or Independent? Take the quiz to find out. Find
"It's My Party" at:
http://www.congressforkids.net/games/Elections_politicalparties/2_politicalparti\
es.htm

> Getting Ready to Vote <

Get a lesson plan for your class and bring the election into your classroom.
Find "Getting Ready to Vote" at:
http://www.congressforkids.net/games/elections_voting/2_voting.htm

Are you a political junkie? Do you watch C-SPAN for hours at a time? Let's see
how much you know about the major-party 2008 United States presidential
candidates, both former and current!

Trivia: Both major parties saw their fields of presidential contenders shrink
in advance of the first nominating contests in 2008. Identify the correct
chronological order of pre-2008 GOP drop-outs.

A) Jim Gilmore, Sam Brownback, Tom Tancredo, Tommy Thompson
B) Tom Tancredo, Tommy Thompson, Duncan Hunter, Jim Gilmore, Sam Brownback
C) Jim Gilmore, Tommy Thompson, Sam Brownback, Tom Tancredo, Duncan Hunter
D) Jim Gilmore, Tommy Thompson, Sam Brownback, Tom Tancredo

*Find the answer in next month's issue of our monthly e-newsletter.

Answer to September's Fun, Facts, and Trivia:
http://www.webcommunicator.org/classroomresources/funfactstrivia_ans0908.htm



* NEW * COMPLETE CONVENTION COVERAGE & YOUR TURN: ASK A CANDIDATE

> Complete Convention Coverage <

Have your students watch and read videos and speeches from the Democratic and
GOP conventions.

Find "Complete Convention Coverage" at:
http://www.congressforkids.net/games/Elections_convent_in/2_Elections_convent_in\
.htm

> Your Turn: Ask a Candidate <

Ever wanted the chance to sit down with the president? Would you ask about
immigration? Religion? Health Insurance? Their favorite ice cream flavors?

If you could meet the candidates, what question would you ask? What would you
want to tell them?

Ask your question and then explain why it's important to you in the text box
provided. Find "Your Turn: Ask a Candidate" at:
http://www.congressforkids.net/games/Elections_candidates/2_candidates.htm


Cindy Koeppel
ckoeppel@...

The Dirksen Congressional Center
2815 Broadway
Pekin, IL 61554
http://www.dirksencongressionalcenter.org