Social Studies "American Government/Citizens Responsibility"

In this 5-week course about "American Government/Citizens Responsibility", we will explore the essential questions: 
*What characteristics make up an upstanding citizen? 
*What symbols are important to citizens in our community?
*What are the three branches of government?
*What roles does each branch play?
*Why is it important for citizens to be informed?
*How do citizens influence their government?
In this unit it will encourage the students to prove their thinking through hands-on activities. I plan to teach this unit 2 days a week for 40 minutes a class.
We will start each lesson on a new topic that encompasses all that is needed for "American Government/Citizens Responsibility" 
Lesson 1: Citizens
Lesson 2: American Symbols (flag, bald eagle, Lincoln Memorial, White House, Washington Memorial, Liberty Bell, Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, Hollywood sign, Golden Gate Bridge)
Lesson 3: The Bill of Rights
Lesson 4: Citizen Responsibilities
Lesson 5: Laws
Lesson 6: Democracy and Republic
Lesson 7: Branches of Government
Lesson 8: Government Officials
Lesson 9: The President
Lesson 10: Voting

Each lesson will start with using prior knowledge of the main vocabulary. We will, as a group, talk about a new vocabulary word and how is it represented in our community. 

Next, we move on to a whole group lesson that address a new lesson objective. Using multiple perspectives from all students’ viewpoints, we will discuss how and where they have seen the topic in their community and around the country. Communication is very important and having more objective and accurate point of view is extremely beneficial in learning about  "American Government/Citizens Responsibility." Example: When discussing our American Symbols we will talk about where each symbol came from and why they are important to American History. Mount Rushmore is a symbol that affects a marginalized group, I will briefly talk about where it comes from and how the Native Americans felt about the carvings.  

From there, we will move to a hands-on activity that can be done with the class or independently. These engaging activity takes everything that we have discussed in class and puts that information into their own words and visions. Using games, illustrations, writing activities and many more, students will be taking all they have learned and show their mastery in that lesson. 

I have worked as an Elementary Teacher for 10 years. With my many years working alongside students ages 7-10 in both Social Studies and Science, I have created lessons, and implemented them in the classroom. I have taken my expertise from my college courses and many years’ experience and created a multi-day course that I know will excite the children and also teach them the core standards in Social Studies. I look forward to starting this new Unit "American Government/Citizens Responsibility."