The students in Tom Grogan's social studies class at Natrona County High School are loudly discussing whose economic policy seems better -- Sen. John McCain's or Sen. Barack Obama's.

Grogan silences the room to take a vote. Those in favor of McCain's easily outnumbered those in favor of Obama's. A boy who chose Obama looked around.

"Haters," he said.

High school teachers around Natrona County have found ways to work this year's election into their lesson plans, though many of their students aren't old enough to vote on Nov. 4.

Students have taken quizzes to figure out their political leanings. They've played games, participated in classroom discussions and listened to or read numerous articles.

"I think it's been kind of an undertone in our classes," said Kelly Walsh history teacher Rose DeNinno.

The students in Sally O'Brien's classes at Kelly Walsh have studied the election for over a year. O'Brien teaches world history and Advanced Placement world history. The class started following presidential hopefuls last fall, and then moved into focusing issues.

"Last fall, we were really into this," O'Brien said. "I think having these discussions in the classroom helps them form their own ideas."

Kelly Walsh AP history teacher Justin Kidneigh had his students play a game that challenged them to balance the budget. His students have also tackled learning about specific issues, like the economy.

"They're trying to understand these concepts these candidates are talking about," Kidneigh said.

At Roosevelt, teacher Susan Griffiths said students are focusing on issues outside of the presidential race, as well. The library tax, Casper College's general obligation bond issue and school board elections have earned time in student discussions.

"It's not just about the presidential election," Griffiths said. "In my class, they are probably more informed than a lot of Americans, simply because we do current events everyday."

And while Griffiths isn't 100 percent sure who her senior students will vote for on Nov. 4, she said she has a pretty good guess.

"Kids are pretty liberal," Griffiths said with a laugh. "They don't want to do what the establishment is doing."

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com. Read her blog at my.trib.com/jasasantos.

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