Art Paul thinks the ideal candidate for president would've been Alan Keyes because “he didn't make false promises.”

        But with Mr. Keyes out of the race, he said he'll choose Al Gore because the vice president's ideology matches his own on every issue except taxes.

        The fact that Art Paul is only 13 years old means little to the Mason Middle School eighth-grader when it comes to the presidential showdown.

        “I'm pretty interested in the campaign and the debates,” Art said.

Jessi Mirick, 14, writes in her choice for president at Mason Middle School, where the eighth-grade social studies class is researching candidates to prepare for debates and a mock vote. (Dick Swaim photo) | ZOOM |

        Some of that interest stems from a 27-page project he and about 80 other Mason students are tack ling in teacher Jackie Bonfield's social studies class.

        Students also will conduct a mock vote for president.

        “I believe this is really challenging kids to think above and beyond and to form their own opinions,” Mrs. Bonfield said.

        “To have a democratic society, you need to have people who are more informed.”

        For the project, students must research and create files on the two major-party candidates. They get extra credit for third-party candidates.

        The eighth-graders have to glean their research from about a dozen designated sites on the Internet because part of the project requires learning to evaluate Web sites.

        Students also have to find examples of bias in the media and explain their responses. They have to understand and find examples of propaganda and explain the purpose of interest groups.

        Finally, they have to determine who they think would make the best president based on ideology and be prepared to debate their position.

        Students were initially shocked by the thick packet Mrs. Bonfield passed out last week.

        “I was getting stressed out,” said 13-year-old Jeremy Teepen.

        But he's into the project now and even engaged in a small-scale debate with some classmates about who is the better candidate.

        “You guys are Bush people, so be quiet,” he said to several girls designing “Bush for President” posters Monday.

        The girls weren't intimidated.

        They, too, have been doing their homework.

        “Al Gore doesn't seem sincere,” said Melissa Bobinski.

        She plans to throw her “vote” to Texas Gov. George W. Bush but is looking forward to learning more about both Mr. Bush and Mr. Gore.

        After discussing a quote by Thomas Jefferson about ignorance and freedom, Mrs. Bonfield summed up her goal for the class.

        “Am I going to let you be ignorant on this campaign? Absolutely not.”
       

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