2024 RESULTS
Berlin/Lüneburg.
More than 400 registered classes already know the outcome of the U.S. elections: Donald Trump is going to be the 47th President of the United States of America. As part of the U.S. Embassy School Election Project 2024, students gave their predictions for the election outcome state by state: Kamala Harris will receive 272 electoral votes while Donald Trump is projected to only receive 235 of the electoral votes. Sina Werner and Professor Torben Schmidt of the Institute of English Studies at Leuphana University Lüneburg co-developed the course content and learning design of the project together with Kim Steiner, Melina Friedrich and Sarah Laum. The nationwide school project was initiated by the U.S. Embassy.
Since the school year began, students in participating classrooms have dealt with the election in their English courses. Each participating class was assigned a U.S. state. The task was to determine the outcome of the election for 'their' state by examining the respective social issues and the candidates' statements. Their forecasts have been correct before and in previous years predicted the election outcome more accurately than many political polls in the USA or Germany.
This year, 130 courses submitted a forecast for their state shortly before the election, with each state being covered by multiple classes. The forecasts are not always unanimous, but a majority decision could be determined for each state except for the states of Georgia and Michigan. The students predicted Harris would win several key states, including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, and thus the overall election. However, Trump could claim all of the swing states, which means that this year the students did not predict the outcome of the election correctly.
The U.S. Embassy School Election Project 2024 is a continuation of precursors organized by the U.S. Embassy Berlin for the 2012, 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. The innovative project curriculum was developed by a project team from the U.S. Embassy, the Berlin-based educational non-profit LIFE e.V., and the Institute of English Studies at Leuphana University Lüneburg.
This is the project outcome produced by our participants:
map from 270towin.com
Best political cartoonFSAS Berlin – Maryland |
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LK 2 with teacher
Amy
Schäfer |
This self-drawn political cartoon is a piece that effectively captures what Kamala Harris stands for. With clever imagery and sharp wit, it answers the critical question of why voters should support her candidacy. The cartoon is well arranged, presenting strong, persuasive arguments in a visually engaging manner. Each element contributes to a cohesive narrative that not only highlights Harris's values but also inspires action. This creative work stands out for its ability to convey a powerful message in a simple yet impactful way. |
Best political cartoonAskanisches Gymnasium, Berlin – Michigan |
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grade 12 LK with teacher Mr. Klaudius |
This creative political cartoon illustrates Michigan's status as a swing state. By depicting two cars racing, it effectively conveys the tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The clever use of imagery highlights the contrasting values of both political parties, showcasing what each candidate stands for. The cartoon not only captures the competitive nature of the election but also provides insightful commentary on the key issues at play. |
Best informational websiteOtto-Nagel-Gymnasium Berlin - Kansas |
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class 9.1 with teacher Natalie Buckowski |
This internet site is an impressive multimedia project that offers a comprehensive, in-depth look at the election. It combines well-researched information through varied formats, including detailed information texts, and comparative charts of their election programs. The site also offers analysis sections,creatively integrated songs and poems to engage different audiences. With a wealth of information presented in a dynamic and accessible way, this site stands out for its thorough research and engaging multimedia approach, providing a full-spectrum view of the candidates and their platforms. |
Best songOtto-Nagel-Gymnasium Berlin - Arkansas |
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Saskia, Sydney, Anneliese (students) with teacher Jens Rösener |
This performance is a piece that combines creativity, courage, and well-researched insights. The audio quality is excellent, with clear pronunciation. With the catchy idea of adapting a popular German pop song to feature original, self-written lyrics, the performers take a brave step by singing solo, creating an engaging and memorable experience. The lyrics are not only creative but also incorporate convincing arguments that advocate for specific voting behaviors, skillfully turning research into an artistic and persuasive project. |
Best newspaperJohann-Wolfgang-von-Goethe-Gymnasium Chemnitz - New Hampshire |
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Emilia Kotesovec, Nazanin Azimi, Aia Absi (students) with teacher Isabell Weimann |
This newspaper article is a piece that combines various perspectives on the election to create a comprehensive picture of the state’s voting behavior. The design is impressively realistic, closely mirroring a professional publication, and the research behind it is thorough and insightful. The language is notably advanced, enhancing the credibility and impact of the information presented. Overall, it’s a well-executed and informative portrayal of the state’s electoral landscape. |
Best filmBerufliche Schule Rottenburg – Arizona |
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class 12 with teacher Christoph Beller |
This video highlights key issues for Arizona like education, feminism, and violence, and offers insightful background on changing public demands. The language is engaging, and the background song supports the video’s message. With well-placed written elements and a thoughtfully argued abstract, this video stands out as impactful and well-produced. |
Best filmOtto-Schott-Gymnasium Mainz - Utah |
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class 11 with teacher Ute Ritzenhofen | The sound quality is clear, making every message easy to follow, and the setting feels just right for the topics covered. The language used is spot-on, accessible, and professional. The video doesn’t just inform us about different topics but also highlights the candidates' opinions in a creative way, using images and icons to keep it visually engaging. By capturing the voices and perspectives of Utah's people, the team adds an authentic touch that brings the video to life. |