Here Ye, Here Ye, Here Ye!
The Judicial Branch of the United States Government

Grade Level:  Fifth

Subject:  Computer Technology, Social Studies, Language Arts

Learner Outcomes:

• The student will list the functions of the Judicial Branch of United States Government.
• The student will listen and retell the events of a story.
• The student will write in complete sentences.
• The student will retrieve information using the Internet.
• The student will complete  worksheets on the Judicial Branch of United States Government.
• The student will read and define key words pertaining to the Judicial Branch.

Materials:

• Book-Marshall, the Courthouse Mouse: A Tail of the U.S. Supreme Court by Peter W. Barnes.
• Worksheet "The  Judicial Branch of the United States Government."
• Worksheet "Judicial Jargon" correlating to the Judicial Branch of government.

• Multimedia Computer Lab (If not available, Click Here)
• Internet access

• Make sure all students have the approved Internet permission before using or viewing on the Internet. (Signed and on file.)
•  Reserve a time in the lab to complete the worksheets.
• If a lab setting is not available, then students may work in pairs at accessible computers or use reference books.  (Back to Technology Tools)
• Make copies of both worksheets for each student.

Day 1:

• Read  Marshall, the Courthouse Mouse: A Tail of the U.S. Supreme Court by Peter W. Barnes.  Have the class listen for the major functions of the Judicial Branch and write them as "notes."   After reading the book orally to the class, you should allow class time to include follow-up discussion ( be sure to include all important aspects of the text.)

Day 2:

• The students will complete the worksheet- "The Judicial Branch of the United States Government" by accessing: dictionary.com, encyclopedia.com, and USA Government.

Day 3:

• The students will complete the worksheet- "Judicial Jargon."  Take the students to the lab and direct them through the portion of the skill sheet to locate the site "USA Government." Students will read the web pages and use the information found there to complete the assignment.

• Student lessons will be modified according to IEP specifications.
•  Exceptional students may require more time or shortened assignments.  Pairing with another student may be beneficial.
• Those students who do not have signed usage consent forms may use an encyclopedia and dictionary  to complete the worksheets.

• Students may want to visit the school library to check out books.
• At the site "USA Government" a quiz on the judicial branch of government is included.  A link to the "Judicial Branch Project Page" is given.  This page includes a wonderful list of additional/extension activities for those students needing to do more.
• Take a virtual tour of the United States Supreme Court Building.

Evaluation/Assessment:    

Project	Worksheet-Judical Branch of Government	Worksheet-USA Government	Oral Discussions	Locate Internet Sites
Points Possible	10	8	10	10

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:

•  Listening/Speaking-5.7, 5.11
•  Reading Comprehension 5.16
•  Writing-5.52, 5.54, 5.62
•  Computer Technology-5.186, 5.57
•  United States History-5.4
•  Study Skills-5.172

Language Arts:

• Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies of the writing process.
• Gathers and uses information for research purposes.
• Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies of the reading process.
• Demonstrates competence in the general skills and strategies for reading a variety of informational texts.

Social Studies:

• Understands the central ideas of American constitutional government and how this form of government has shaped the character of American society.
• 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.

Technology:

• Knows the characteristics and uses of computer hardware and operating systems.

• Marshall, the Courthouse Mouse: A Tail of the U.S. Supreme Court by Peter W. Barnes
• Oyez Oyez Oyez:  Virtual Tour of the US Supreme Court
• USA Government
• www.Amazon.com
• www.dictionary.com
• www.encyclopedia.com

Janie C. Bailey
 Angel Bodnar
 Pat Perry
 Flinn Elementary School

 
 

Overview:

Lesson 1: What Does a Tree Have To Do With Government

Lesson 2: Who's the Boss?

Lesson 3: Let the People Be Heard

Lesson 5: What Do You Know About Your Government?