Standard:
Explains duties and responsibilities of the legislative, executive
and judicial branches of governments and tells how the concept of
checks
and balances makes these branches of government responsive to the
people.
2
Topic: Contemporary United States
Standard: Explains how the following
concepts are important to United States Citizenship and
contribute to
National Unity:
- individual rights
- common good
- self government, and
- cultural awareness.
3
Topic: Contemporary United States
Standard: Identifies the process by
which citizens affect change in the United States political system
-voting
-political campaign participation
-petitions
-organized protests, and
-running for office.
Activity 1: Monuments on the Mall
With a group, go to the website,
Monuments
on the Mall. When you get to the web site look to the left
and find the word "Introduction." Use your mouse to click this
word. A new screen will come up. Read the information on
this page. When you have read the page thoroughly, you may click
on the word "TASK" on the left hand side of the page. This will
take you to your task.
Read the page about your Task very well. This
will help get you started on the assignment. When you are
finished click on the word "PROCESS" on the left of the page.
This page will walk you through the rest of the assignment.
Have fun while you are working on this
assignment. Please work cooperatively wiith your group and please
do not play around. Please take a look at the "Scoring Guide" so
you know exactly what I will be looking for when I grade you
work.
Activity 2: Branches of the
Governemnt Scavenger Hunr
Click on the link above labeled " Branches
of the Government Scavenger Hunt." Answer each queastion by
clicking on the blue text within the red questions. This will
take you to a website you can use to locate the answer the questions.
You may choose to write the questions or print a copy of the questions
off of the website.
Activity 3: Ben's Guide to Place
the States
Click on the website link to "Ben's Guide to
Government" in the yellow table above. Your next step is to Click
the words "games and activities" on the chalkboard. When the new
page come up click on the word "Interactive Games." Click on the
word "Large" under the title "Place the State" Try playing all
three levels and see how you do.
Collaborative
Activities to do at Home
c. COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES TO DO AT HOME
5 Activities for students related to web sites that they could do with
their parents as homework or out of class assignments. i.e. learning
about the country. These activities can be more informal and focus on
parents and children learning together. (20)
1. Government in
the Media
Follow the news for 1 week. You may use
television and/or newspaper for this assignment. Find examples of
the governement at work. You may cite examples of any 3 branches
of government.
Answer the followign questions:
1. What is the
story/article about?
2. Who is
involved in the story?
3. Which
branch(es) of governemtn are involved?
4. How
was the government involved?
5. Briefly
explain how the branch(es) of government involved function?
You may turn these answers in to Mr. Casey for extra credit on your
next Social Studies test.
2. Write to Your
Senator!
Write a letter to your senator to find out more
about his/her duties in our country. Come up with questions to
include in your letter. Use the following link to locate the
address of your senator.
Find
Your Senator's Address
How Congress
Works: A Look at the Legislative Branch
Written by:Ruth Tenzer Feldman
This book explain to childen how the legislative
branch works.
Order
in the Court: A Look at the Judicial Branch
Written by: Kathiann M. Kowalski
This book explain in great detail the functions and duties of the
United States Supreme Court.
Meet My Grandmother: She's a United States Senator
Author: Lisa Tucker McElroy
This books is about a Senator's duties and
responsibilites seen through her grandaughter's eyes. Great book
to help students understand the duties and responsibilities of the
Senators.
First Facts about U.S. History
Author: David C. King
This book is set up in the form of a timeline.
It will provide information for your family on the United States
history.
I pledge
Allegiance
Authors: Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
This book will help; your child learn and understand
the meaning behind the words of the Pledge of Allegiance.
1.
What
are the 3
branches of the National Government?
2.
List
at least 3
duties of the Executive Branch?
3.
List
at least 3
duties of the Legislative Branch?
4.
List
at least 3
duties of the Judicial Branch?
5.
Who
is the head
of the Executive Branch?
6.
How
does the
president get into office?
7.
How
are the
Supreme Court Justices determined?
8.
How
are Senators
determined?
9.
What
are 2 duties
of your state Senator?
10.
Name
3 National Monuments located in Washington D.C.
