1. The Institutions of Government A lesson plan by Aaron Altman and Charlie Callahan

2. Introduction to the curriculum Who is this curriculum designed for? Why teach this material?

3. Introduction to the curriculum Who is this curriculum designed for? –Eighth grade social studies students Why teach this material?

4. Introduction to the curriculum Who is this curriculum designed for? –Eighth grade social studies students Why teach this material? –Educate students on the basic principles of American government.

5. Context Using a range of activities designed for a lesson plan of five class periods, students will learn the construction of the three branches of government as well as the roles each branch plays.

6. Objectives -“Students will apply knowledge of the US Constitution, how the US system of government works and how the role of law and the value of liberty and the quality have an impact on individual, local, state and national decisions.” (CSSF) -“Students will demonstrate knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of citizens to participate in and shape public policy, and contribute to the maintenance of our democratic way of life.” (CSSF) -“Students will explain that political systems emanate from the need of humans for order, leading to compromise and the establishment of authority.” (CSSF)

7. Activities An array of activities are necessary to teach the students about different aspects American government. We have designed a collection of activities that are intended to help accomplish the established objectives for this lesson plan.

8. Day One Familiarize students with the basic concepts of our government, and the constitution. –Constitution Democracy Branches of government –Legislative, Executive and Judicial

9. Day One Activities Constitution scavenger hunt

10. For tomorrow Make groups for project Assign each group the branch they will do their projects on

11. Day Two Review worksheet in groups Groups will research their respective branches using: –Encarta –The Constitution

12. Day Three The students will present their projects The teacher will evaluate each groups project

13. Project Evaluation Rubric Info covered Clarity Fill-in outline Clarity Organization Participation Poster board All areas will be scored out of 10 points.

14. Day Four How a bill becomes a law –“I’m just a bill”

15. Day Five Make new groups forming “mini- government” Introduce Bill #860 Dilberate within groups on the bill Present outcome to class

16. Evaluation Students will be evaluated and graded on a number of different aspects. Group Project 60% Class participation 20% Homework 10% In class Mini-Government/Bill assignment 10%