1. Pequea Valley Government & Civics
For all Learners

2. 10th Grade American Government
Required course
Focus is on America, how our government works, and the rights / duties of citizens

3. Overview of government
Key Concepts
Overview of government
~Citizenship test
~Create your own government (Island)
Review of the beginning of our nation
~Review struggles (US History) & popular sovereignty

4. Checks and Balances (branches)
Key Concepts:
Constitution
~Formal and Informal Amendments (throughout course)
Federalism
~State laws vs Federal laws
Checks and Balances (branches)

5. The role of political parties & elections
~ Look at both major parties and political
spectrum
~ Look at key political issues (Tie with
Ag Bio topics)

6. Elections
Look at minor parties and their roles
~Create our own minor parties & run a campaign
~We register to vote (creates my poll book) and hold the election

7. Elections
Electoral college
Public opinion (polling)
~ Explore Gallup polls and
add in degree of error

8. Judicial branch
Civil Liberties and Rights (Bill of Rights)
~Constitution and sample cases
~ Icivics (reviews our basic rights)

9. Judicial Branch
Supreme court
~ Role play Supreme Court cases (judges and lawyers)

10. Legislative Branch House and Senate ~ Find your Representatives
~ Explore 115th Congress
How law is created
~Write our own bills & roleplay

11. President’s roles & duties Cabinet Departments
Executive Branch
President’s roles & duties
~ Virtual White House Tour
Cabinet Departments
~ Project on departments

12. Executive Branch
The Federal Budget
~ Icivic ….balance the budget, taxes and citizens
Foreign Affairs
~ Security (State, Defense, Homeland Security)
~ Current issues

13. Other Electives:
Current Affairs
Explore current topics
Look at multiple points of view
Debate both sides of the issues

14. Other Electives
Criminal Law
Ethics and the Constitution
Criminal law & Court system
~ Lancaster County court house

15. HS ELA Debate

16. 9th and 10th GRade Humanities
Informal – In classroom discussions of books & plays that we are reading. Ex: discussion on themes, morals, values – controversial topics
Formal – Propaganda and persuasive techniques, argument writing instruction, building platforms across ELA/SS and defending it and debating it. (Ethos, Pathos, Logos)

17. 11th Grade Debate Is the American Dream dead in society debate
Justice system debate linked to the Crucible. Are you innocent until proven guilty? Confession of crimes you didn’t commit or die for your beliefs and honor.
What makes a good person debate and writing linked to the Crucible.
Is John Proctor a hero debate and writing
Is money a good indicator of success- writing assignment and discussion linked to Gatsby J

18. 12th grade Honors/CP Public Speaking – 12th Grade
consistent debating of ideas in impromptu speaking and discussions on issues going on in the media and society
mostly informal but some formal speeches as well
debate on State of the Union address and the issues presented
Original Oratory discussions and debates
Multicultural Lit. – 12 Grade
-How does our world compare to 1984 discussion/debate
-What is the meaning of life debate
Composition – 12th Grade
-Lots of argument writing and discussion
-Lots of work on structuring rhetoric and balance between logos, ethos, pathos
Contemporary Literature – 12th GRade
-Debate over what success is, what it looks like, and how we recognize it.