Civics and Government 4th Grade (15 Day) Unit

Are you introducing 4th graders to the concept of government and its role in our states? Through engaging activities, students will explore the differences among national, state, and local and state governments, understand the importance of laws and justice, and learn how governments function to serve the people. This 15 day unit includes day by day planning with suggested activities for differentiation. Typically used in a high ability classroom, it is appropriate for all students.

Teaching methods used: Simulation, foldables, Nonfiction research, graphic organizers, group work, individual work, (suggested) guest speakers, and traditional assessment

Unit includes:

• Alignment page showing 4th grade social studies state standards, Common Core Reading and Writing standards, and National Council of Social Studies Themes

• 15 day lesson plan broken into standard, reading/information source, and activities

• Vocabulary journal + answer key

• Foldable activity for three branches of government

• Individual Rights in Action choice project

• Mock election simulation

• Sequencing activity for election process

• 6 nonfiction reading passages (+ answer keys)

• How a Bill Becomes a Law Simulation (all three branches of government represented, based off of picture book Click, Clack, Moo by Doreen Cronin)

• Rubrics for all projects and answer keys where applicable

• Traditional vocabulary quiz

• List of possible guest speakers

Government focus:

Since fourth grade is more state based, the content and projects focus mainly on state government. The branches of government and responsibilities of important people within the government include national organizations and expectations (i.e.: President, Congress, and Supreme Court). If it is an election year, the election activity can easily be adjusted to "Elect a President" instead of making a decision about what to vote about within their school. I also recommend extending this simulation, instead of passing a bill into a law. You will want to look up a kid/student friendly version of your state's constitution to help you in some activities, or transition to U.S. Constitution Bill of Rights.

Tags: government, elections, legislative, executive, judicial, state and local government, citizen, how a bill becomes a law, national government, governor

File Type: PDF (not editable)

Number of Pages: 65 (including curriculum plan and answer keys)

Grade: 4 - depending on state standards, may overlap with second or fourth grade government content