4th+Grade+Civics

Community Government Judicial branch of government Legislative branch of government Executive branch of government Congress Representative Senate Senator Governor Mayor Selectman Elections President Judge Supreme Court Bill of Rights Declaration of Independence Constitution Democracy Symbol Capitol Citzenship
 * __Key Vocabulary__**

__Essential Questions:__ ·  How does a community develop the structure and function of its government? ·  How do citizens protect their own rights while also maintaining responsibility towards others in their community? __ Enduring Understandings: __ ·  The structure and function of government is developed by the people in a community over time. ·  Rules, laws and government provide for the needs of their citizens and protect their rights and safety. ·  All citizens have responsibilities within their communities. __ Unit Objectives: __ ·  Students will trace the development of the structure and functions of the government of Connecticut, identifying its essential components and their functions. ·  Students will discuss and describe how the government balances the rights of individuals with the common good. How is this process similar or different in Connecticut government as compared to the U. S. government? ·  Students will explain how citizens both individually and collectively influence government policy. Can an individual make a difference?

//Launching a unit// l How do you have a discussion / experience at the beginning of a unit to: excite, prompt imagination, enthusiasm, interest. l How do you find out what students already know about the essential questions? l Mini-lessons ideas l Creating a plan to study a unit
 * __Beginning the Unit__**

Discussion of classroom rules, expectations, and responsibilities.
 * Create a classroom constitution or review your classroom constitution.
 * Discussion of roles that are needed in our classroom, school, community, and state.
 * Set up expectations and guidelines for Sim City.
 * Present the overview for Unit of Study on Civics.
 * Mini-Lesson Ideas:


 * 1) Ask the class why do we have rules?
 * 2) What is the purpose of government?
 * 3) What is the responsibility of a citizen?
 * 4) What is the responsibility of a leader?
 * 5) Government is divided into different departments.
 * 6) Different leaders have different responsibilities for a reason.

l Creating a plan to study a unit l Specific mini-lessons / activities that support the unit l A timeline to help students / teachers think about how to plan their unit
 * __As the unit continues__**

Mock Trial Create a new law Write to government representatives Create a simulated city
 * __Integrate a Simulated City Government__**

How do you assess students? Could consist of: Rubrics to evaluate final student work Checklists for observing students during social studies time Performance assessment Any communication documents to help parents know about a unit of study What types of “celebrations” might happen at the end? What mini-lessons might you need for wrapping the unit up? Student reflection
 * __Toward the end of the unit__**

Tips for managing the unit How do you schedule the unit? How do you structure the class to support the unit goals?