Our American Government Unit Plan

Our American Government

Purpose

"Our American Government" is a unit of study that satisfies several 5th grade curriculum goals through the use of digital resources connected to the Library of Congress and other web sites. It is an integration of social studies, math, language, science, art, music, and technology with concentration on skills in technology being the learning tools that are often used in the activities.
In my school, 5th grade is taught by three 5th grade teachers and a supporting group of resource teachers so this unit's implementation is a cooperative affair in which all of these teachers work together to bring about a sense of completeness. Instruction includes a study of the history of government both regionally and nationally, basic guidelines for historical research, principles for electronic compositions, and direction on the use of student competencies found in the state's curriculum guidelines. It also includes direct hands-on instruction on strategies for finding and capturing digital resources in the Library of Congress and elsewhere. Hands-on instruction also includes specific instruction in the composition and editing of still images from a variety of sources and video and audio also from a variety of sources, creations which are relevant to actual instruction that teachers will carry out in their classrooms.
Unit Web

Unit Objectives

5th Grade NCSCS Competency Goals included in this unit

*English Language Arts Goal #4
The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written, and visual texts.

   *Social Studies Goal #8
       The learner will examine ways the people of the United States, Canada, and Latin America
       govern themselves.

   *Computer/Technology Skills Goal #3
       The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize,
       apply, and communicate information.

*Information Skills Goal #4
The learner will EXPLORE and USE research processes to meet information needs.

Through the studies afforded by the use of this "Our American Government" unit, the students will merge research skills used in the area of social studies with English language skills. They will learn the basic principles of making a web page and many sub skills associated in doing that. They will use the digital camera, word processor, audio recorder, and software/hardware that make it possible to perform many acts on the computer. In order to learn more about the presidents in US history and the three branches of government, the students will be required to use and strengthen research skills to locate materials in the library and information in the books, etc. housed there. Being able to carry knowledge over from one area of study into another is necessary skill. This unit reinforces that skill.

Introduction

This unit, Our American Government, begins with an art lesson in which the students are presented with the idea of unity which for all practical purposes is exactly what our government provides. It unites us all into one people, each with our own distinct and identifying cultures and backgrounds, yet one together and alike under the laws that protect us all and gives each of us equal rights.

This lesson is a two part lesson with the first part being completed in the art room under the direction of the art teacher. The second half of the lesson is one that would best be taught in the computer lab with the teacher and one other person/helper. In the second part of the lesson the students will actually work together with the teacher to create a powerpoint presentation of the students' own flags with the option of word processed paragraphs of explanation of the symbols used to create the flags.

Lesson I - "Making Stitchery Flags" ( This lesson includes: Introductory electronic slide show)

Lesson II - "The Three Branches of Government"

Lesson III - "Researching a US President"

Lesson IV - "Wanted Posters for Candidates"

Lesson V - "Rules to Live By"

Lesson VI - "Mock Trial"

Conclusion

This unit will actually have several culmination points since it is a highly integrated unit. One focal point will be the communication skills/social studies centered activity of a dramatic play written around the signing of the Constitution. It will include music, costumes, and scenery made by the students in addition to their writing the play and acting it out. Another highlight of the unit involves the completion of the research project regarding US Presidents and the subsequent publishing of the students' final product.

The students will also have learned an extra helping of new spelling and vocabulary words. To bring closure to this list as well as evaluate the students' success in acquired spelling, there's Lesson VII - "Spelling Finale."

Materials/Resources Available/Needed

To contact any of the experts below, contact the web designer (jrmassie@yahoo.com).

Ms. Gail Leatherwood
Rep. Phil Haire
Congressman Charles Taylor
Mr. Bruce Briggs
Dr. Beth Coulter
Dr. Ben Coulter

Books:

The American Scene: Lives, Volumes 1-12, Grolier
Family Encyclopedia of American History, Reader's Digest
Webster's American Biographies, Merriam
Great Lives, Simon Boughton
Biographical Dictionary, Merriam/Webster
Encyclopedia of American Biographies, Harper & Row
Oxford Children's Book of Famous People, Oxford University Press
World Book of America's Presidents:
- "The President's World"
- "Portraits of the Presidents"
World Book Encyclopedia

Board Games

        1776 The Birth of a Nation, Reiss Games
        Stateside: A Game of National Pride, JML Enterprises, Inc.
        US of America, Picture Map and Puzzle, Golden Game

Video Resources

        US State History and Capitals, Volume 1-5, Phoenix Multimedia
        Fun Facts of American History, Goldhil Video
        American History for Children Video Series: Washington, DC, Schlessinger Video Programs
        Hidden Treasures of American National Parks, Questar Home

Computer Software

GeoSafari, Educational Insights

Equipment Needed

Lesson I - Large computer monitor and remote keyboard, computer, digital camera,
Lesson II - Computer lab with 1 computer per 2 students
Lesson III - Large computer monitor and remote keyboard, computer, computer lab
Lesson IV - None
Lesson V - Large computer monitor and remote keyboard, computer
Lesson VI - Video camera, monitor
Lesson VII - Computer lab

Evaluation

At the finish of this unit, the students will be tested to determine the extent of information they retained. So much of the value of this unit comes, however, from the fact that most of it is an experiential activity. To evaluate mastery of the unit would mean observation of the students as they work. Participation and whole-hearted

These are tried and true lesson plans that had already been taught before being included as plans for this unit. At this time, they are complete, accurate, and to my satisfaction.

Time Period

For a full and thorough study of "Our American Government," about three weeks to a month would be required. The research project itself would require no less than two weeks, but that aspect of this unit could be covered during the language arts time period. The mock trial calls for a field trip that lasts one half day if the experts chosen to visit are local. In order to fully absorb the lessons provided, students should be given the opportunity to experience the multi-faceted approach for learning as supplied in this integrated unit. To teach the lessons of only one area of the curriculum would be to whittle down the overall effect of learning and success that each student would garner.

Unit Plan Author: Joyce Reeves Massie