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Government Civics the Living Constitution |Connecting to Today -Self Paced

Completed by 30 learners
Ages 12-17
Self-Paced Course
In this 18 lesson class, students will see how The Constitution is alive and well each and every day in many ways, more than just checks and balances! It is a great class for those needing to take Civics or US Gov from a certified teacher.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(76 reviews)

19 pre-recorded lessons
18 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content

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Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.
Start when you want.
Learn at your own pace
Access course material for a full year.
Get hands-on support from teacher.

What's included

19 pre-recorded lessons
18 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be asked to submit evidence of learning in the form of one of the following (they will have a choice): • brief written paragraphs consisting of making a claim and supporting it with evidence • a Bitmoji slide or other graphic representation (PowerPoint, Canva, Prezi, etc.) • a video post Other choices will be considered if proposed and justified by the student.
Assessment
Every submitted assignment will be given thorough written feedback. Quiz grades will be shared with student and parent.
Grading
Please request at the beginning of the course.

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 11
Beginner - Advanced Level
Understanding our government by looking at how it was set up in 1787 and how it still get used every day in America. This course looks way back to make sense of what is happening in America today.

Do you find yourself saying, “The President can’t do that! He has to go through Congress.” Likely, you’re right. And that’s because of the Constitution.

From the Preamble to the last Amendment, the United States Constitution is still the law of the land. Come on a journey with us as we delve into what the constitution says, what it means and how it is the driving force behind what the U.S. Government can do and what they cannot do.

The Constitution is not just some document that was written on fancy paper and sits under glass. Every day there are examples of how this document is the life blood of our country, from the guarantees of the first amendment that allows people to speak their mind to the first article, which gives Congress the ability to limit the President’s power.

While we will cover the entire Constitution, the majority of our focus will be on the first three Articles of the Constitution (The Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches) and the Bill of Rights.



Each lesson the class “meeting” will consist of two parts. First, learning the part of the Constitution that is being covered and then exploring current applications.  These will be lead by an introductory pre-recorded teacher video that presents key information and complete instructions for the lesson. In each lesson, students will be required to read the part of The Constitution that is covered that week and then do their own inquiry and research to find current examples.

 
Students will be asked to submit evidence of learning in the form of one of the following (they will have a choice): 
•	brief written paragraphs consisting of making a claim and supporting it with evidence
•	a Bitmoji slide or other graphic representation (PowerPoint, Canva, Prezi, etc.)
•	a video post 
Other choices to show evidence of learning will be considered.

At the end of each section, as is shown in the weekly breakdown, students will take a quiz to show mastery of the subject.

Learning Goals

Students will learn about the structure and content of the Constitution by reading and analyzing, as well as connecting to current events.

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)
19 Lessons
over 18 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Welcome & Introduction
Lesson 2:
Preamble
 #1:  Breaking down the Preamble word by word; how those goals still apply today. Learning goals: Identify where the preamble to the Constitution is located.
Explain the five goals of the preamble and provide real life examples. 
Lesson 3:
Congress – the people in it and the powers they have
 #2: An overview of Article I of the Constitution. (Congress – the people in it and the powers they have)
Learning goals: Objectives: Identify and recall the requirements of the two houses of Congress.  Explain what powers Congress does and doesn’t have. Identify examples in current events that reflect the powers of Congress. 
Lesson 4:
Congress – the census, apportionment and gerrymandering
 #3 Learning goals: Describe the importance of holding the Census every ten years. Explain how states determine their Congressional Districts. 

Other Details

Parental Guidance
As students learn about current events, there is a chance that they may encounter stories that are upsetting or shocking. Parents are encouraged to monitor their children and check in with them when they are doing the research component of the course.
Supply List
Handouts will be sent and may need to be printed. It is recommended that students have paper and pen handy, as well as a folder to keep their work in.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
We will regularly refer to The Constitution and The Bill of Rights during the class. Additionally, students may be assigned videos through Crash Course Government or current event articles through Newsela.

Meet the teacher

Joined June, 2020
4.9
76reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
New Jersey Teaching Certificate in Special Education
New York Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Florida Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
With a Masters Degree in Education and thirty years of teaching experience, your child is in expert hands!  Additionally, I have many (over 15) years of teaching Government and Civics to students in 7th through 12th grade.

Reviews

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