Rocks, Paper, Scissors: Separation of Powers

Completed by 21 learners

Ages 13-17

Live One-Time Class

In this one-time class, we will discover the differences between the three branches of federal government through the game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Elizabeth Gumbiner

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(47 reviews)

Live video meetings

Meets once

6-12 learners per class

45 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

45 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

In this course, we will take a look at the three branches of American federal Government.  We will discuss the powers of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of government as designed by the Constitution and creation of Judicial Review.  During our discussion, students are going to create a graphic organizer that allows them to further understand the role of each branch.  We will then discover how the founding fathers created checks and balances to ensure that no one branch had more power than the other.  To apply our learning, we will play Rocks (Executive), Paper (Legislative), and Scissors (Judicial).  In order to win the match, one must also describe the checks and balances that are used by that branch.

Learning Goals

Students will understand the role of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branch of United States government and how each branch is able to check the power of the other two branches.

Other Details

Supply List

A one-page graphic organizer is provided prior to the lesson.  Please print and bring it to class.

1 file available upon enrollment

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Elizabeth Gumbiner

Joined October, 2020

5.0

47reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

South Carolina Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History

I am a former high school social studies teacher who taught Human Geography and United States History.  I have transitioned into higher education where I am the Director of Student Financial Literacy.  Though I am not in the traditional classroom, I continue to teach financial literacy to predominately graduate students. With 14 years of classroom experience, I love to develop relationships with students that create engagement with the content and world around us.  Traveling is a hobby that strongly influences my teaching style.  Travel brings out natural curiosity about why and where.  

I have had the opportunity to teach Human Geography, Global Studies, and United States history at the high school level.  Human Geography has given me the chance to score national Advanced Placement Exams which gives me the chance to better prepare students for these national exams.  

My desire as a teacher is to help cultivate a natural curiosity and develop confident lifelong learners that are global citizens through engagement and relevance. 

My Bucket List: Visit all 7 continents and all 50 states.

Qualifications:
-Master's in Social Studies Education, 6-12, University of Florida
-BA in History and Political Science with a certificate in Public Administration, Minor in General Education, University of Florida
- National Board Certified: Early Adolescent Social Studies
-South Carolina Professional Teacher Certificate, Grades 7-12, Gifted and Talented Endorsed, AP Human Geography Endorsement, AP Seminar Endorsement
- Advanced Placement Human Geography Reader 2015-Current
- South Carolina Council for Social Studies Palmetto Teacher of Excellence 2014
- Financial Peace University Coordinator (2010-current)
- Accredited Financial Counselor®