Elbros+Samkough's+Project+Plan+3


 * Subject Area **

8th Grade U.S. Government


 * Specific Topic **

Three Branches of the U.S. Government


 * Audience **

8th Grade Students (13-14 years of age)


 * Activity Type **

Concept Mapping Key Information


 * Topic Overview **

The "Three Branches of the U.S. Government Unit" will have students explore and understand the various aspects of U.S. government. Students will explore the three different branches (Executive, Judicial and Legislative) and discover how they work with each other towards the common goal of running our country. Students will understand the system of “Checks and Balances” and how they apply to each various branch.


 * Task **

Students will be able to list requirements of each legislative office holder (Senator and Representative). Student will create a gliffy chart that displays congressional office requirements and the legislative branches powers.


 * Process **

After receiving all of the lessons and activities geared towards educating the students toward understanding the legislative branch, each student will create their own gliffy.com chart that visually displays the requirements of senators and representatives as well as the powers of the legislative branch. Students will then compare their printed copy of the concept map with a peer to verify they covered all aspects of the legislative branch.
 * Evaluation **

Each student will be assessed by using a rubric that grades the “gliffy” chart they created to demonstrate their knowledge about the legislative branch and their members.


 * Reflection **

Visual graphic organizers are excellent for students to create a visual representative of their content matter. Students will utilize technology and their own creativity to organize the tasks and objectives asked of them about the legislative branch.