Title: Vote 16 Forum
Course: BC - Political Studies 12 - 1.0

Should the voting age in Canada be lowered to 16? Try to think of the best reasons for and against this move, and make some initial notes, listing what you feel are the top three reasons for or against.

Then, do some exploratory reading to find arguments for and against this move using reliable online sources. Refine your list using this information.

Then, take a position on the issue, and create a 200- to 250-word post that provides the best three arguments for your position. In your post, you should also acknowledge and rebut what you feel is the best argument against your position. For example, if you believe that the voting age should not be lowered to 16, find the best reason for making the change and create a rebuttal for that argument.

If you use expert opinions or quotes to support your perspective, all articles and resources consulted should be listed in an informal works-cited list at the bottom of your initial post.

After you have created your own post, find two other students to respond to with two separate 100- to 150-word responses. In your response, don’t just say, “I agree! Great job!” Ask a question, disagree charitably, add other evidence that you saw from your own research, or counter with a different interpretation. Try to add something meaningful and insightful to the conversation so that everyone’s understanding of the topic can be increased.

Forum Post Rubric

 | Not Completed | Emerging (Unsatisfactory) | Developing (Satisfactory) | Proficient (Very Good) | Extending (Excellent)
 | 0 |  | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
Initial Post | Not completed | Demonstrates an inadequate awareness of the topic. Comments may be off-topic or irrelevant. Demonstrates confused thinking. References are unreliable or not listed. | Demonstrates an adequate awareness of the topic but offers little consideration of it. Provides some relevant comments. Demonstrates organized thinking. References may not be from reliable sources, or may not be listed adequately. | Demonstrates thoughtful consideration of the topic. Provides relevant comments. Demonstrates clear and organized thinking. References are reliable and cited. | Demonstrates insightful consideration of the topic. Provides relevant and comprehensive comments. Demonstrates exceptional logic and organization. References are reliable and cited properly.
Response Posts | Not completed | Responses demonstrate a lack of comprehension of the original post or may be disrespectful. | Responses are respectful but do not add much to the conversation. | Responses are purposeful and respectful, adding to the conversation. | Responses are discerning and respectful, adding meaning and depth to the conversation.
Total:    /10 (averaged between posts)