4 th Grade Colorado Civics

4 th Grade Standards Analyze and debate multiple perspectives on an issue Understand the origin, function, and structure of Colorado government

Three Branches of Government LegislativeMakes laws to protect the common good and individual rights of citizens Judicial---Interpret the law when there are disagreements among citizens or groups ExecutiveImplement and enforce the law

Simulation Students will be able to 1)Explain multiple perspectives about the intent and wording of a law 2) Explain how the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government solve problems

No Vehicles in the Park The state of Colorado owns a lovely park designed to preserve nature. Citizens go there to enjoy grass, trees, flowers, and quiet. In addition, there are playgrounds and picnic areas. There have been many problems with noise, traffic and pollution recently. To solve the problem, a sign is posted at all entrances to the park. The signs say: No Vehicles in the Park.

vehicle |ˈvēəkəl; ˈvēˌhikəl| noun 1 a thing used for transporting people or goods, esp. on land, such as a car, truck, or cart.

Should this be allowed? 1.Juan Smith lives on one side of the park and works on the other side. He will save ten minutes if he drives through the park. 2.There are many trash barrels in the park, so that people can keep the park clean. The sanitation department wants to go in to collect the trash. 3.Two police cars are chasing a suspected bank robber. If one cuts through the park, he can get in front of the suspects car and trap him between the patrol cars. 4.An ambulance is racing to the hospital. The shortest route Is through the park. 5.Some of the children who visit the park want to ride their bicycles there. 6.Mrs. Thomas wants to take her baby to the park in a baby stroller. 7. A monument to honor citizens who died in the war is being constructed. A tank, donated by a civic group, is to be placed beside the monument. 8.Tashiqua likes to go to the park with her friends. Because she lost both her legs in an accident, she has a motorized wheel chair.

Judicial (Courts) Your job is to interpret the law when conflicts arise. Today, a panel of judges will listen to cases where there are disagreements. One lawyer will present arguments for a vehicle to be in the park. Another lawyer, representing the executive branch, will give reasons why the vehicle should not be allowed.

Should Be Allowed in Park? Case4.Group 1Group 2Group 3Group 4Group 5Group 6 1. Commuter 2. Trash Truck 3. Ambulance 4. Police Cars 5. Bicycles 6. Baby Stroller 7. Memorial Tank 8. Motorized Wheel Chair

Legislative (General Assembly) Your job is to make laws that protect the common good and individual rights. There seem to be many problems with the law that says No Vehicles in the Park. How can you rewrite the law to make it clear and fair?

Rewriting the law What needs to be changed? How should emergency situations be handled? What should be the penalty for breaking the law?

Student Debriefing Has the rewritten law solved all of the problems? Should the intent of the law be considered when interpreting the law? Why/Why not? What did you learn from your experience as a judge? As a legislator? Why three branches of government?

Teacher Debriefing Does this simulation provide learning opportunities to achieve the civics standards? Why/Why not? What types of pre-lessons will your students need to have success in this simulation? How might you modify the lesson?