Game Based Learning
Lesson Title: The Branches of Government
Introduction:
Students will learn about the three branches of government. Using one game to simulate the operations of each branch, they will understand the main purpose of each branch as well as how all three branches must work together.
Content Area and Grade or Age Level of Students: 4th grade Social Studies
Objectives: (What will the students know or be able to do after completing the lesson?)
Executive Branch: Simulate the way separation of powers and checks and balances limit government
Legislative Branch: Simulate the lawmaking process of Congress
Judicial Branch: Analyze the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and expression
Materials:
Introduction:
Students will learn about the three branches of government. Using one game to simulate the operations of each branch, they will understand the main purpose of each branch as well as how all three branches must work together.
Content Area and Grade or Age Level of Students: 4th grade Social Studies
Objectives: (What will the students know or be able to do after completing the lesson?)
Executive Branch: Simulate the way separation of powers and checks and balances limit government
Legislative Branch: Simulate the lawmaking process of Congress
Judicial Branch: Analyze the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and expression
Materials:
- Three Branches of Government (Executive)
- Law Craft (Legislative)
- Supreme Decision (Judicial)
Learning Activities:
Students will complete the following three games with attached worksheets and presentations.
Three Branches of Government (Executive)
This game lets the student act as president by choosing representatives for each branch of government and the values they will represent. Then the president will issue a State of the Union address to introduce their philosophy and plan to govern. As acting president, students manage issues, pass bills and juggle the power of all three branches of government.The game is won when they can keep all three branches of government working together for 30 minutes.
After completing the game, the teacher will review student knowledge of each of the three branches of government and it’s function by using this slideshow.
Students will complete the following three games with attached worksheets and presentations.
Three Branches of Government (Executive)
This game lets the student act as president by choosing representatives for each branch of government and the values they will represent. Then the president will issue a State of the Union address to introduce their philosophy and plan to govern. As acting president, students manage issues, pass bills and juggle the power of all three branches of government.The game is won when they can keep all three branches of government working together for 30 minutes.
After completing the game, the teacher will review student knowledge of each of the three branches of government and it’s function by using this slideshow.
Presentation created by iCivics and can be downloaded here.
Law Craft (Legislative Branch)
In LawCraft, students play a member of Congress from the state of their choice. They pick an issue that's important to them and their constituents and take it all the way through the lawmaking process. If they’re successful, they’ll have a bill they can print and show off.
Following the game, the teacher can complete this post-game activity with students. The slideshow presents questions in the form of an interactive quiz to test student knowledge of voting a bill into office. Questions include information such as the percentage of votes required to pass a bill.
In LawCraft, students play a member of Congress from the state of their choice. They pick an issue that's important to them and their constituents and take it all the way through the lawmaking process. If they’re successful, they’ll have a bill they can print and show off.
Following the game, the teacher can complete this post-game activity with students. The slideshow presents questions in the form of an interactive quiz to test student knowledge of voting a bill into office. Questions include information such as the percentage of votes required to pass a bill.
Presentation created by iCivics and can be downloaded here.
Supreme Decision (Judicial)
Students can learn how the Supreme Court really works. In Supreme Decision, students help cast the deciding vote. The case involves a boy, Ben Brewer, who wore his favorite band t-shirt to school against dress policy and now risks suspension. They’ll help the final Justice make up her mind and influence the outcome of the case.
Students will complete this worksheet after finishing the game.
Students can learn how the Supreme Court really works. In Supreme Decision, students help cast the deciding vote. The case involves a boy, Ben Brewer, who wore his favorite band t-shirt to school against dress policy and now risks suspension. They’ll help the final Justice make up her mind and influence the outcome of the case.
Students will complete this worksheet after finishing the game.
References:
Games, slideshows and worksheet retrieved from:
ICivics. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2017, from https://www.icivics.org/
Games, slideshows and worksheet retrieved from:
ICivics. (n.d.). Retrieved March 8, 2017, from https://www.icivics.org/