Title of Unit: National & Sub-national Government Title of Lesson: The 3 branches

Lesson Plan #1 out of 5

1. Summary of the Lesson Plan: This lesson is designed to help on students prior knowledge of the federal government. Also expand their knowledge on the three branches of the government and what they consist of. 2. Target Population: grade level: 4th grade skill level: students at all grade levels grouping: whole group discussion and reading, small group branch work, independent notes.

3. Objectives: C14.4.2 Name the current President of the United States. C14.4.5 Name the three branches of state government.

4. Procedure: 1. Teacher will have students write in their journals what they know about the federal government, or what they think of when they hear the word federal government or government. 5 min 2. Students will share with the class what they wrote in their journals while the teacher writes key words of what they say on the board. 5 min. 3. Using the information that was given from the students on the board the teacher will go over what a federal government it is. 10 min 4. Teacher will read How the U.S. Government Works by Syl Sobel. 5 min 5. Teacher will split the class into three groups that consist of a legislative, executive, and a judicial branch. Each group will have assigned jobs in the group (researchers, writers, etc.). Students will use computers and books as resources. 15 min 6. After 15 minutes each group will have a chance to present their findings and the students will write in their social studies journal what each group presents. 10 min 7. Assessment: An informal assessment for day 1 would be to make sure that each student contributes to the opening discussion of federal government. Also make sure that students are working as a group for their branch presentations. 8. Reflection:

What skills do students need in order to be successful with this lesson? - Students will need to be able to extract important information from resources. They will also need to learn how to work as a group. How will you follow up or extend this lesson?
Karen Powell- Instructor Submitted by: Mayela Hernandez & Lorrena Mccallum

EDEL 453 Spring 2012

Title of Unit: National & Sub-national Government Title of Lesson: The 3 branches

Lesson Plan #1 out of 5

To follow up this lesson I will have the students gain knowledge of what a local government is and what Nevadas government consists of. What can you do for students who dont grasp the concepts? - I will work with students personally to help them understand the concept of how each branch is in charge of different things so that no one thing has the power. Where do you anticipate having problems with this lesson? I can anticipate that the timing of the lesson is not really accurate and I wont be able to complete the lesson in the time allotted. Another problem could be that some students are more involved in the group work than others.

9. Materials: Paper and pencils White board How the U.S. Government Works by Syl Sobel Social Studies journal Computers Books

EDEL 453 Spring 2012

Karen Powell- Instructor

Submitted by: Mayela Hernandez & Lorrena Mccallum