What Does a Tree Have To Do With
Government?
Grade Level: Fifth
Subject: Social Studies, Art,
Music, Computer Technology
Learner Outcomes:
-
The student will recognize the three branches
of the United States Government.
-
The student will draw a tree depicting the three
branches of the United States Government.
Duration of Lesson: One class
period of 60 minutes
Materials:
-
White drawing paper or white bond paper
-
Pencil
Technology Tools/Courseware:
Teacher Notes:
-
Be sure to have Internet usage consent forms
signed by all students.
Procedures:
- Look at the diagram in
Ben's Guide to U. S. Government for Kids. Using the diagram as
a guide, construct a tree depicting the three branches of government.
(See Student Sample)
- Draw a tree with three branches
and label the tree trunk "U. S. Government."
- On one branch, draw a picture of
the Nation's capitol and label. Label the branch the "Legislative
Branch." Draw a small limb off the legislative branch and label it
"Congress." Draw two leaves on the "Congress limb" and label one
"House of Representatives" and the other "Senate."
- On the second branch, draw a picture
of the White House and label. Label the branch the "Executive Branch."
Draw two leaves on the "Executive Branch" and label one "President" and
the other "Vice President."
- On the third branch, draw a picture
of the Supreme Court and label. Label the branch the "Judicial Branch."
Draw one leaf on the "Judicial Branch" and label it "Supreme Court."
Modifications:
-
Student lessons will be modified according to
IEP specifications. Exceptional students may require more time.
Pairing with another student may be beneficial.
-
Print a copy of the diagram from Ben's
Guide to U. S. Government for Kids, Branches of Government for those
students who do not have signed usage consent forms.
Enrichment Activities: Listen to
SchoolHouse
Rock audio, Three-Ring Government
Evaluative/Assessment:
| 10 Points |
9 Points |
8 Points |
7 Points |
| Completes all 5 steps in procedure |
Completes 4 steps |
Completes 3 steps |
Completes 2 steps |
West
Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:
-
United States History, 5.3
-
Art, 5.18
-
Music, 5.25
-
Computer Technology, 5.186
-
Study Skills, 5.172
National Standards:
Art:
-
Understands connections among the various art
forms and other disciplines
Social Studies:
-
Understands the major characteristics of systems
of shared powers and of parliamentary systems
-
Understands how the United States Constitution
grants and distributes power and responsibilities to national and state
government and how it seeks to prevent the abuse of power
Music:
-
Sings, alone and with others, a varied repertoire
of music
Technology:
-
Understands the nature and uses of different
forms of technology
Language Arts:
-
Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand
and interpret visual media
References:
Authors:
Janie
Bailey
Angel
Bodnar
Pat
Perry
Flinn
Elementary, Charleston, WV
