Government Civics - The Living Constitution: Connecting to Today! Semester Class
In this semester-long class, students will be learning about all aspects of US Government by learning the Articles of the Constitution and how it is still relevant today. #academic
Wendy Wawrzyniak
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(72)
What's included
18 live meetings
13 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will be asked to read short sections of the Constitution (never more than a page) in preparation for each class. Students will also be asked to research current events that relate to the Constitution.Assessment
Learners will be assessed through quizzes given after every 4-6 meetings via Google forms (no login or email is necessary.)Grading
Grades are provided by request at the beginning of the course. Weekly assignments and participation will be weighted approximately half and tests will be the other half of the grade computation.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner - Advanced Level
#Academic Understanding our government by looking at how it was set up in 1787 and how it still gets 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 lifeblood 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 week 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 led by lecture and PowerPoint that presents key information and provides opportunities for discussion. Between 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. There will be guiding activities, which may be an escape room challenge, a scavenger hunt, or an inquiry (document-based) lesson. Additionally, evidence of learning will be submitted to the teacher through the Outschool class page. At the end of each section, as is shown in the weekly breakdown, students will take a quiz to show mastery of the subject. Please inform the teacher upfront if you will need a final grade for the course. Note that minimum enrollment to hold class is 4 students.
Learning Goals
Students will identify the process by which laws are passed, Supreme Court Justices are appointed, the Constitution is amended, and congressional districts are determined.Students will identify the key concepts of the Constitution.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with State-Specific Standards18 Lessons
over 18 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction and Preamble to the Constitution
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. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Article I: Congress (Part 1)
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. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Article I: Congress (Part 2)
This lesson we will take a closer look at how the states determine the boundaries for Congressional Districts (areas represented by their Congressman in the House of Representatives), a process called "re-apportionment." It is very controversial and varies from state to state how and when it happens. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Article I: Congress (Part 3)
How a Bill Becomes a Law! It is not as simple as you would think. For example, last year 362 laws were passed by Congress out of over 10,000 that were proposed. Most bills die in committee. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
All presented content is appropriate for students. If students should happen to bring a current event to the class that is of mature nature, rest assured that I have three decades of experience in the classroom and have an innate ability to redirect sensitive content and frame it in a way that doesn't upset the contributor nor misdirect the learning opportunity.
Supply List
No supplies are needed.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined June, 2020
4.9
72reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Teaching Certificates
New Jersey Teaching Certificate in Special Education
New York Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Florida Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
With a Master's Degree in Education and thirty-two 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
Live Group Course
$17
weekly or $300 for 18 classes1x per week, 18 weeks
45 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
4-18 learners per class
