The 12 lessons on practical politics have been designed to help high school classroom teachers in Ohio develop and implement educational programs on citizen participation and, specifically, on voting. Objectives are to familiarize students with Ohio voting and registration laws and procedures, to introduce them to voting equipment, to acquaint them with politically active community members, to improve their ability to analyze ballot issues, and to increase their awareness of and interest in governmental processes. Activities are aimed primarily at students in 12th grade but can be tailored for use in grades nine through 11 as well. Most lessons are designed to fit into a one-hour class period and are intended to be used sequentially. Topics are voter participation, concerns and issues, evaluating information, developing and evaluating campaign materials, evaluating information sources, investigating community attitudes, registration procedures, elections, the electoral college, and political party structure. Students are involved in a variety of activities, including a mock convention, a school election, an in-class election, class discussion, analyzing voting materials, researching political issues, writing campaign materials, and taking community surveys. For each lesson, information is given on background, preparation, objectives, activities, resources, and helpful hints. Handouts such as survey forms, tally forms, and calendars of activities are included for many of the activities. (DB)