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Lesson Plan

Learning About Our Government

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

5

Overview

This lesson is designed to inform students about the organization of our nation's government. Students will be introduced to the three branches of American government and the responsibilities of each. They will discuss the requirements for becoming President and take a "virtual tour" of the White House. All of this is done through the use of a digital slideshow, which includes a direct link to the Internet for further study.

Content Standards

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 5

SS10.5.9
Explain how inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation and eventual ratification of the Constitution of the United States.

Unpacked Content

Vocabulary

inadequacies
Article of Confederation
ratification
limitations
factions
Federalist
Anti-Federalist
republic
powers
principles

Knowledge

Students know:

Inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation and the impact these had on the creation of the Constitution of the United States.
The duties and powers of the three branches of government.
The supporters and oppositions of the constitution.
The main principles of the bill of rights.
The impact of George Washington as president in a republic.

Skills

Students are able to:

Analyze and describe the impact of government documents.
Describe and provide examples of major ideas, concepts, and limitations of the Constitution including the duties and powers of the three branches of government.
Compare and contrast the positions of various groups involved in historic events, such as the writing of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Analyze primary source documents.

Understanding

Students understand that:

The Articles of Confederation and influential groups and individuals played a role in the development of the United States Constitution.

Interdisciplinary Connections

Learning Objectives

Primary Learning Objectives

Students will be able to identify the three branches of American government as well as characteristics of each. Students will be able to name the qualifications for President of the United States. Students will be able to define democracy and recognize that they are part of a democracy.

Procedures/Activities

Procedures/Activities

Begin with an introduction through the use of the textbook.
Explain to students that our country is not ruled by the President, but is a system of self-government with checks and balances.
Present the attached slideshow to the class. Follow the hyperlink on the slide and tour the White House for Kids web site. Encourage plenty of interaction and discussion among students. (The slides should captivate student interest.)
See assessment suggestions for wrapping up the presentation.
Begin with an introduction through the use of the textbook.
Explain to students that our country is not ruled by the President, but is a system of self-government with checks and balances.
Present the attached slideshow to the class. Follow the hyperlink on the slide and tour the White House for Kids web site. Encourage plenty of interaction and discussion among students. (The slides should captivate student interest.)
See assessment suggestions for wrapping up the presentation.

Learning Activity (Before)

Learning Activity (During)

Learning Activity (After)

Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

1. Using "Let's Review" slides (18 and 19), have students answer questions before you reveal answers or, adapt to your needs.
2. Use the questions mentioned above to design a test. You might want to develop a study guide.
3. Ask students to compare/contrast various branches of government by explaining their responsibilities (could design an expository prompt similar to those used on fifth grade writing assessment for this)
4. Ask students to write a paper telling what living in a democracy means to them.

Acceleration and Intervention

Approximate Duration

Total Duration

31 to 60 Minutes

Materials and Resources

Materials and Resources

Social studies text

Technology Resources Needed

Computer with Internet access, PowerPoint or other presentation software, LCD projector or other large-group projection device

Approved Date

2014-04-30

Design by Adaptive Theme