Introduction to American Civics

SUBJECT TEACHER GRADE DURATION

History Richards 8 2 days/ 45 minutes

OVERVIEW
Students will learn about the complex role of government in the United States and how each branch
works together. The three branches of federal government are legislative, executive, and judicial and
branch as a job to do. Students will watch a YouTube video, complete chapter notes and complete a
presentation.

TEACHER GUIDE

LEARNING OUTCOMES  Students will learn how the three branches of government
work together and form the federal government.
 Students will use icivic.org to improve their understanding of
the subject.

CURRICULUM ALIGNMENT Nevada States Standards: C14. [6-8] 5. Explain the functions of the
three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) as
found in the U.S. and Nevada Constitutions.

ISTE Standard: 1c-Students use technology to seek feedback that

informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning
in a variety of ways.

MATERIALS NEEDES Teacher: Teacher’s Manual, Lesson Notes and power point/ Prezi-to be
uploaded to Google Classroom at end of day, and YouTube video
previewed and ready to play.

Students: Their books, laptops, if allowed, paper and pen/pencils

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES Teacher: Internet connect, computer, smart board or projectors,

PowerPoint/Prezi

Students: laptop, internet connect, powerpoint/Prezi, word, and/

paper, and pen/pencils.

WEBSITES AND APPS  https://www.polleverywhere.com/

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EISWIY9bG8
 https://prezi.com/
 https://edpuzzle.com/
 https://newsela.com/
 https://www.icivics.org/

PRE-ACTIVITIES 5 minutes: Teacher will take attendance after students have been
seated and collect any assignments that need to be returns.

Students: Take the poll everywhere questionnaire to determine their

understanding of the federal government.
 TEACHER GUIDE

ACTIVITIES (7 minutes) Students will watch a YouTube video about the three
branches. (13 minutes) Chapter notes on PowerPoint/ Prezi while
students take notes. (15 minutes) Students will start a presentation
from their notes and video watched in class. (10 minutes) Students will
explore the website icivics.org for more information on civics.

ASSESSMENT The assessment will be the presentation the students will need to turn
in as homework as a study guide.

CRITICAL VOCABULARY Legislative, executive, judicial, veto, congress, senate, president,

supreme court