Branches of Impact: Exploring Government in Action

9th Grade Project 2 weeks

Branches of Impact: Exploring Government in Action

Larry Williams

HS.C.CP.1

HS.C.CP.2

HS.C.CP.3

HS.C.CP.4

HS.C.CV.1

+ 3 more

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Purpose

The project aims to engage students in a dynamic exploration of how government decisions reflect constitutional values and impact local communities. By collaborating with peers and community partners, students will research and present findings on specific government actions, using multimedia tools to enhance their understanding and communication. This hands-on approach encourages critical thinking and active participation, allowing students to connect classroom learning with real-world civic engagement.

Learning goals

Students will collaboratively research and analyze a specific government decision's impact on local communities, demonstrating understanding of constitutional values. They will create multimedia presentations to effectively communicate their findings, showcasing critical thinking and research skills. Through engagement with community partners and peer critique sessions, students will enhance their ability to engage in civil discussions and respect diverse perspectives. The project aims to deepen students' comprehension of how legislative, executive, and judicial branches affect individuals and states while meeting relevant civics standards.

Standards

HS.C.CP.1 - Explain how the Constitution of the United States embodies the principles of rule of law, popular sovereignty, republicanism, federalism, separation of powers and checks and balances to promote general welfare.
HS.C.CP.2 - Analyze legislative, executive and judicial branch decisions in terms of constitutionality and impact on citizens and states.
HS.C.CP.3 - Compare various forms of government and how each maintains order, upholds human rights and interacts within the international community.
HS.C.CP.4 - Evaluate how the U.S. judicial system is designed to uphold equality before the law, due process and inalienable rights.
HS.C.CV.1 - Explain how classical republicanism, natural rights philosophy and English common law influenced the thinking and actions of the American Founders.
HS.C.CV.2 - Assess how the expansion of civic virtues, democratic principles, constitutional rights and human rights influence the thoughts and actions of individuals and groups.
HS.C.I.CC.1 - Engage in civil discussion, reach consensus when appropriate and respect diverse opinions relevant to compelling and/or supporting questions in civics.
HS.C.CV.3 - Analyze the impact of the efforts of individuals and reform movements on the expansion of civil rights and liberties locally, nationally and internationally.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a digital portfolio showcasing their research on a government decision's local impact, including multimedia presentations, reflective journals, and analysis papers. They will also develop a slide show that visually represents their findings and insights, integrating interviews and data from their engagement with the local city council member. The final product will be presented at a Civic Engagement Workshop, where students will share their work and engage in discussions with peers and community members.

Launch

Kick off the project with a dynamic 'Civic Engagement Workshop' where students interact with a local city council member and other guest speakers. These speakers will share firsthand accounts of how government decisions shape local communities, providing students with real-world context. Follow this with an interactive Q&A session to allow students to explore the essential question and connect directly with the civic processes they'll be researching.

Exhibition

Conclude the project with a "Constitutional Impact Fair" where students showcase their digital portfolios, including multimedia presentations and analysis papers, to peers, teachers, and community members. Invite the local city council member and other civic leaders to provide feedback and engage in discussions with students about their findings. This event will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of government decisions' effects on local communities and the upholding of constitutional values.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Launch the project with a 'Civic Engagement Workshop', featuring a local city council member and other guest speakers to discuss how government decisions impact communities. Facilitate an interactive Q&A session to explore the essential question.	Divide students into small research teams and assign each team a specific government decision to investigate, focusing on its impact on the local community.	Guide students through developing a research plan, including identifying key resources, potential interview subjects, and multimedia tools they will use to gather information.	Conduct a research skills workshop to help students effectively use digital tools and databases for finding relevant information about their assigned government decision.	Have students start their research by gathering data and beginning interviews with community members or local officials to gain insights on their topic.	Host a mid-week check-in where teams present their initial findings and challenges, allowing for peer feedback and collaborative problem-solving.
Deliverables	1. Submit a research plan outlining the team's chosen government decision, research questions, potential resources, and planned multimedia tools. 2. Create a preliminary outline for the multimedia presentation, detailing the key points and visuals they intend to include.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the local city council member and guest speakers for the Civic Engagement Workshop, ensuring they are prepared and available for the session. 2. Prepare materials for the research skills workshop, including guides on using digital research tools and accessing online databases. 3. Organize and provide access to multimedia tools and resources students will use to create their presentations, such as video editing software and graphic design platforms. 4. Develop a template for the research plan and preliminary outline deliverables to guide student submissions. 5. Arrange for any necessary technology support, such as ensuring access to computers and internet connectivity for student research.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Conduct a peer review session where students present their draft multimedia presentations and receive feedback focused on clarity, depth, and connection to constitutional principles.	Guide students in refining their presentations based on peer and teacher feedback, ensuring alignment with the project's essential question and standards.	Facilitate a multimedia workshop where students enhance their presentations using digital tools, incorporating visual elements and interview footage.	Organize a discussion session where students reflect on their learning journey and the impact of government decisions on their local community.	Prepare for the 'Constitutional Impact Fair' by practicing presentation delivery and discussing strategies for engaging with the audience and community partners.
Deliverables	1. Submit a revised multimedia presentation incorporating peer and teacher feedback. 2. Complete a reflective journal entry detailing insights gained about the impact of government decisions on local communities. 3. Prepare a final digital portfolio, including the revised multimedia presentation, reflective journal, and analysis paper, for presentation at the 'Constitutional Impact Fair'.
Preparation	1. Set up a schedule and format for the peer review session, ensuring structured feedback opportunities. 2. Organize a multimedia workshop, providing access to digital tools and resources needed for presentation enhancement. 3. Coordinate logistics for the 'Constitutional Impact Fair,' including venue setup, technology needs, and invitations to community partners. 4. Develop guidelines for the reflective journal entry, focusing on critical thinking and personal insights. 5. Ensure all technical equipment is functional and available for student presentations during the fair.