How We Organize Ourselves

Transdisciplinary Theme: How We Organize Ourselves

• An inquiry into the structure and function of organizations; societal decision making

Central Idea:

• Government reflects how we solve problems.

Lines of Inquiry:

• An inquiry into the ideals of democracy
• An inquiry into the varying forms of government
• An inquiry into laws and problem solving based on government.
  
  

Key Concepts:

• Function
• Responsibility

Teacher Questions:

• Causation: Why was our form of government chosen?
• Function: How does our government work?
• Responsibility: What is our responsibility when faced with a problem?

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Helpful Websites:

Ben's Guide to US Government
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/index.html

United States Government for Kids
http://library.thinkquest.org/5873/

Congress for Kids
http://www.congressforkids.net/Constitution_index.htm

Types of Government
Click and Learn about the Types of Government
Different Forms of Government
Civics for Kids
Systems of Government by Country

Branches of Government
http://library.thinkquest.org/5873/

Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html

History of the Bill of Rights
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/nation/jb_nation_bofright_1.html

Presidents
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/

Symbols of the US Government
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/files/Ben_Activity_webversion.pdf

Election and Voting
Rand McNally’s Play the Election
S-SPAN Classroom
Scholastic Magazine
Time for Kids

Games for Kids