Government Gab: Students Make Local Impact!

3rd Grade

Project
2 weeks

Government Gab: Students Make Local Impact!

Valerie Shay

D2.Civ.13.3-5

D2.Civ.11.3-5

D2.Civ.12.3-5

D2.Civ.2.3-5

D2.Civ.7.3-5

Purpose

This project immerses 3rd-grade students, including second language learners, in understanding local government and civic engagement. Through interactive experiences like a city department field trip and a Q&A panel with local leaders, students will explore how government sectors collaborate to address community issues. By creating a Government Impact Collage and Community Impact Storybook, students will reflect on and express how these decisions shape their daily lives, fostering a deeper appreciation for civic responsibility and participation.

Learning goals

Students will understand how local government functions and the impact of its decisions on the community. They will learn to compare decision-making procedures across various settings and recognize the importance of civic participation in a democracy. Through hands-on activities, students will explore how rules and laws evolve and apply civic virtues in their school environment. The project will culminate in students creating narratives that demonstrate their grasp of these concepts, fostering a deeper connection to their community and its governance. Activities and discussions will be structured to support second language learners, ensuring clear communication and comprehension through visual aids and collaborative group work.

Standards

D2.Civ.13.3-5 - Explain how policies are developed to address public problems.
D2.Civ.11.3-5 - Compare procedures for making decisions in a variety of settings, including classroom, school, government, and/or society.
D2.Civ.12.3-5 - Explain how rules and laws change society and how people change rules and laws.
D2.Civ.2.3-5 - Explain how a democracy relies on people's responsible participation, and draw implications for how individuals should participate.
D2.Civ.7.3-5 - Apply civic virtues and democratic principles in school settings.

Products

Students will create a 'Community Impact Storybook' where they write and illustrate stories about local government decisions that have positively influenced their community, using simple language and visuals to support comprehension for second language learners. Additionally, they will develop a 'Government Impact Collage' showcasing visual representations of how these decisions affect various aspects of their lives, with opportunities for verbal explanations to ensure understanding. These projects will be shared with peers and parents, fostering a deeper understanding of civic engagement.

Launch

Begin the project with a 'Local Leaders Q&A Panel' where students, including second language learners, prepare simple, clear questions and interact with guest speakers from various city departments. Use visual aids and translation tools to support understanding and participation. This engaging session will provide students with firsthand insights into local government operations and its community impact, setting the stage for their projects.

Exhibition

Host a "Community Impact Fair" where students present their 'Community Impact Storybooks' to classmates, teachers, and family members. Set up stations for each student to share their stories and 'Government Impact Collage' projects, allowing attendees to engage with the students' work. Invite local government officials who participated in the Q&A Panel to attend, providing feedback and answering additional questions. Ensure that visual aids and bilingual materials are available to support second language learners in sharing their projects and engaging with the audience.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to Local Government - Begin with a classroom discussion on what local government is and why it matters. Introduce the essential questions and have students share their initial thoughts and questions about local government.	Activity 2: Local Leaders Q&A Panel Preparation - Guide students in brainstorming and drafting questions for the upcoming Q&A panel with local leaders. Encourage students to think about how each department impacts their community.	Activity 3: Local Leaders Q&A Panel - Host the Q&A session where students engage with guest speakers from various city departments. Students will take notes on how each department contributes to solving community problems.	Activity 4: Reflective Discussion - Facilitate a class discussion to reflect on insights gained from the Q&A panel. Students will relate the information to the essential questions and share their thoughts on the impact of local government decisions.	Activity 5: Government Impact Collage Planning - Introduce the 'Government Impact Collage' project. Students will brainstorm ideas for visual representations of how local government decisions influence their lives and start planning their collages.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A list of prepared questions for the Local Leaders Q&A Panel. 2. Deliverable 2: Initial sketches and plans for the Government Impact Collage, including a list of materials needed.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange for guest speakers from various city departments to participate in the Local Leaders Q&A Panel. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare materials for the collage project, such as poster boards, markers, magazines for cutting images, and glue. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop a list of questions to guide the reflective discussion after the Q&A Panel. 4. Prep Task 4: Set up a classroom space conducive to hosting a panel discussion, with seating for both guests and students. 5. Prep Task 5: Create a handout that outlines the essential questions and project objectives for students to reference throughout the week.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Government Impact Collage Creation - Students will use their plans from Week 1 to create their collages. They will select images and symbols that represent how local government decisions influence different aspects of their lives and community.	Activity 2: Story Planning and Drafting - Introduce the 'Community Impact Storybook' project. Students will brainstorm and outline stories that depict how local government decisions have positively affected their community. They will draft their narratives, focusing on clear storytelling and the inclusion of civic principles.	Activity 3: Story Illustration and Revision - Students will illustrate their narratives for the Storybook. They will also revise their drafts based on peer feedback, ensuring their stories effectively communicate the impact of local government.	Activity 4: Storybook Compilation and Rehearsal - Students will finalize their stories and illustrations, compiling them into a 'Community Impact Storybook.' They will practice presenting their stories, focusing on clear expression and engagement with the audience.	Activity 5: Community Impact Fair - Host the 'Community Impact Fair' where students present their storybooks and collages to classmates, teachers, and invited guests, including local government officials. Students will share their insights and reflections on the project's essential questions.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed Government Impact Collage showing visual representations of local government decisions' influence. 2. Deliverable 2: Draft and final version of the 'Community Impact Storybook', including illustrations. 3. Deliverable 3: Participation and presentation in the Community Impact Fair.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Provide materials for collage completion, such as additional magazines, scissors, glue, and poster boards. 2. Prep Task 2: Create a story planning template to guide students in outlining their narratives and illustrations. 3. Prep Task 3: Arrange for any necessary equipment or space for the Community Impact Fair, including seating and display areas. 4. Prep Task 4: Coordinate with local government officials to attend the Community Impact Fair and provide feedback. 5. Prep Task 5: Prepare a checklist for students to use during storybook compilation to ensure all elements are complete.