Government Camp 101: Compare, Contrast, and Ideas
Study the very foundations of governments; compare governments; and learn more about the role civics and government plays in our daily lives.
Natasha Wunderlich
Average rating:
3.8
Number of reviews:(11)
What's included
5 live meetings
4 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Welcome to the condensed version of Government 101! It's our Government Summer Camp! “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” --Thomas Jefferson ....... so let's learn about civics and government so we are not ignorant. Day 1: We will explore the basic theories behind governments, political processes, and types of government. This will be done from a primarily Western European philosophy. Hobbes, Locke, Socrates, Plato, and more have all influenced Western - especially American - government styles. Day 2: This day will be spent covering the various types of governments that have existed, could exist, and might exist in the future. Each student will be asked to come up with their own type of government, which they will present to the class at the end. Day 3: Welcome to American Government! We will learn about the American system of government; focusing on the Constitution and how we split power between the federal and state government. Why does the U.S. have no King? Why do we pay federal taxes? What is the role of the Supreme Court? This class will also cover the various institutions and branches of the American Government. We will even practice making laws! Day 4: Governments exist all over the world in various forms. This day will focus on comparing various types of governments around the world. We will also cover the various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that operate in our world. What is the difference between our government (in America) and the British form? Let's find out! Day 5: What does this all mean for me? What role does this play in my life? Why should I even participate? We will go back to the basics and try and figure out what the importance of government is in our daily lives. How would I vote on a Supreme Court case? What can I do to promote the issues that I think are important? We will also cover how you contact someone when you need help with the government. What the role of rights versus privileges are....and write the founding document for our own government! These activities are self contained classes. There will be extension material provided for each day, should the student want to explore more of the issues. Class will be hands-on; games, activities, handouts, and participation (and some lecture). Come enjoy the time and learn some fun and interesting things about government.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students should be fluent in English. There will be readings they can do as extensions - if they want them. But it will all require fluent English.
Supply List
I will post the note sheets for each lecture at the beginning of class, and each day I will post the link to the additional materials students can use to learn more.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined December, 2018
3.8
11reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I love teaching the basics of political science to interested learners. There is so much disinformation out there, that it is important to learn the basics. This class covers the basics from the theory, the institutions, and into practical applications.
I have worked in various governmental positions including; Executive Branch Budgeting for California, and California State Legislature. I have also taught these concepts at the college level, and love to bring the knowledge to students BEFORE they enter college. Too often these issues are touched on and then forgotten. Plato said, "Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge." So to have adults who are engaged in politics means they need to have the knowledge. This class will have fun, hands on (and some lecture), ways to learn these ideas in an age appropriate and factual (unbiased) manner.Reviews
Live Group Class
$40
for 5 classes5x per week, 1 week
50 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
3-9 learners per class
