- Level 1
- 30-5x week minutes
- • (1.4b) Governments exist at the local, state, and national levels to represent the needs of the people, create and enforce laws, and help resolve conflicts.
- Download Lesson
Standards Addressed:
No standards addressedLesson Materials/Resources
No Materials/Resources attachedObjectives
This inquiry engages first graders in exploring the meaning and purpose and function of government through the compelling question “Is the president the most important person in government?” Assuming that most first graders know who the president is, this inquiry is designed to help students explore the different levels of governmental leadership and the idea that other authority figures exist in addition to the president. In learning about the levels of government and the issues each deals with, students should consider their own ideas for desired change within their communities (e.g., more recreational space, better roads, more variety in school lunches) and develop a commitment to civic participation.
Assessment/CFU
Students draw upon understandings developed through the formative performance tasks to craft arguments stemming from the compelling question and supported with evidence drawn from the sources. Their arguments can be presented through written expression
or a combination of drawing and writing.
Opening/Warmup/Connecting Prior Knowledge
To launch this inquiry, teachers should share the compelling question with the class and encourage students to brainstorm about what they think the president of the United States actually does. Students are likely to have many ideas about this question, though they may think largely in terms of being “in charge.” Afterward, teachers can ask students to create a class list of topics or problems that they would like to see fixed in their school, neighborhoods, or community. (All answers can be accepted at this point as they should lend themselves to the Extension and Taking Informed Action pieces of the inquiry.)
Enjoy the lesson? Have some feedback to make it better?
Write A Review