LESSON PLAN

Name: Paola Bribiesca Date: November 8th, 2011 Grade Level/Subject: 3rd/Social Studies Prerequisite Knowledge: Students will have been exposed to peers previous knowledge of government branches from KW-L chart Approximate Time: 25 min Student Objectives/Student Outcomes: Students will be able to name all three branches of government (executive branch, judicial branch, and legislative branch) and identify one responsibility of each branch. Students will also be able to provide a visual example of each branch. Content Standards:

B. Understand the structures and functions of the political systems of Illinois, the United States and other
nations.
14.B.1 Identify the different levels of government as local, state and national.

Materials/Resources/Technology: How the U.S. Government Works by Syl Sobel 24 Leaf booklets cut out of construction paper of each color: red, green, and orange 24 Trees cut out of construction paper Implementation: Time Opening of lesson: Read pages 4-8 of How the U.S. Government Works to students. 7 min Explain to students the role of each branch of government. Use visual posters to present details for each branch. Procedures: In order to visually illustrate and distinguish each government branch, inform students that they will be making a tree with color-coded leaves. Give each student a green leaf for the executive branch, an orange leaf for the judicial branch, and a red leaf for the legislative branch. These leaves will be already cut out of 16 min construction paper. Give students instructions on creating their trees by drawing a leaf booklet large enough for students to see on the board. Model for students what will go on each leaf booklet. Clarify that each leaf is to have the name of each government branch on the outside flap. On the inside, students should include one thing about the government branch and a drawing of choice, which will help them remember the definition. Explain that once they have completed each leaf booklet, they are to show them to the teacher in order to receive a tree for them to glue the leaf booklets on. Draw a tree on the board and show students that they should write the title on their tree once they are finished, which is The 3 Branches of Governement. 2 min Summary/Closing: The teacher will summarize the lesson by reviewing the information that was organized on the students trees. The teacher will explain to the students that they can keep their trees as a way to help them remember what they have learned. Student-Assessment: Walk around and pay close attention to the pictures students draw. Ask them why they chose that drawing and/or how it helps them remember what the branch means.