Lesson Plan: We The People—
Learning About the Three Branches of our National Government
NCSCOS—5th Grade Social Studies Competency Goal 2: The learner will analyze political and social institutions in North America and examine how these institutions respond to human needs, structure society, and influence behavior. Objective 2.02 Describe the similarities and differences among the local, state, and national levels of government in the United States and explain their legislative, executive, and judicial functions.
Learning outcomes:
Students will:
· identify the three branches of government, and
· list the functions of each branch
Materials:
Red paper labeled “Executive”
White paper labeled “Judicial”
Blue paper labeled “Legislative”
Concentration game cards with the different duties and members of the three branches of government
Blank Lotus worksheets
Technology resources:
Computer with internet connections—Sites to be accessed:
1) Youtube site for Schoolhouse Rock video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5I2KFENjS8
2) Library of Congress website: http://myloc.gov/Education/OnlineActivities/Pages/onlineActivities/wordSearch/index2.html
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Anticipatory Set:
From their seats, have students watch the video on the three branches of government from Schoolhouse Rock (on-line via Youtube) called “Three Ring Government Way”. Write the three branches of government—Executive, Judicial, Legislative—on the whiteboard as teacher helper passes out Guided Notes outlines.
Guided Practice (in both note taking and social studies lesson for the day):
Begin lesson by explaining that we are going to be learning a new strategy for taking notes today called Guided Notes. Say: “Guided Notes are a great way to make sure we all understand the information that is being presented during class. As we learn about the three branches of the federal government from the Power Point, I will lead you in completing your Guided Notes handouts. Your notes have either blank spaces or fill-in-the-blank type areas. We will complete the Guided Notes based on whatever form you have.”
Begin Power Point presentation, including information on members of the Cabinet, brief history behind three branches as time allows. Keep as close to the Power Point information as possible.
Once the presentation has ended, briefly review the Guided Notes with students. Walk around the classroom to ensure that students have filled in the information on their Guided Notes forms. Explain how they can use the notes to study for quizzes or review what was taught in class.
Independent Practice:
1. Go to the computer. http://myloc.gov/Education/OnlineActivities/Pages/onlineActivities/wordSearch/index2.html--Each student will take an on-line word search about “Creating the United States” (Library of Congress, myLOC educational resources). Students will select the US Constitution option, complete the word search, then print out their searches.
2. Have students play a game to review names and functions of each branch and official titles at each level. Students will place all the Branches of Government flash cards face down on the table. The students will turn over the cards one at a time, read the function or person on the card, then place the card on the correct colored paper. (i.e. “Makes laws” card would be placed on Blue paper for Legislative).
3. Pairs of students will complete a lotus diagram on each branch of government, using what they learned in their guided notes and from the video. This center will give the students an opportunity to make sure the information on their Guided Notes is correct as they complete the Lotus.
Closure: Each student will return to his/her desk. We will discuss the Guided Notes practice. As a group, we will create a Plus/Delta (things we liked about Guided Notes; things we would like to change about the Guided Notes strategy) to share our thoughts on using guided notes in class.
After discussing Guided Notes, we will review the three branches of government. I will ask the following questions to assess understanding:
- What are the three branches of government?
- Which branch makes the laws?
- Which branch has members that serve for life?
- Which branch can declare war?
- Which branch directs foreign policy?
- Which branch houses the President?
- Which branch can declare a law unconstitutional?
- What is the highest court in the U.S.?
- What are the two parts of Congress?
- There are _____ Senators
Assessment:
1) Guided notes will be turned in to gauge understanding of the strategy—then returned to the students for study materials.
2) Lotus on the three branches of government will be turned in to assess understanding of the social studies lesson on branches of government.