Introduction
Hey teachers, parents and average US citizens, if you have not gotten the chance to check out the I-civics website, you should. It is a great resource for teaching and learning about civics. The tools can help the average person learn about the workings of democracy, as well learn the various processes of local, state and federal government in particular.
I-Civics is a non-profit organization “that provides educational online games and lesson plans” that “promotes civic education and encourages students to become active citizens.” Their official website states that “I-Civics exists to engage students in meaningful civic learning. We provide teachers well-written, inventive, and free resources that enhance their practice and inspire their classrooms.” The organization was founded by retired Supreme Court of the United States Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 2008. The organization’s mission is to “ensure every student receives a high-quality civic education, and becomes engaged in – and beyond – the classroom.”
Check out this series of lesson plans on the I-civics site that can help students understand local and state government. Teachers should think about how they might use these resources in their classroom in a creative and meaningful way.
The Capable County- Lesson Plan
At times it may be difficult for the average person to differentiate between the roles of the city and town governments versus the county government. Here is a lesson plan that allows students to explore the role county governments play in the US federalist system. The lesson also helps to shed light on the roles our county government plays in everyday life.
County Basics- WebQuest
Here is a resource that can be used to supplement a lesson plan on county governments. This resource is a WebQuest that further helps one to learn the role and function of county governments.
Counties Work- Game
Here is a simulation game teachers can use in their social studies classrooms to teach students about the ends and outs of running a county. If students are successful at managing things well, they can be re-elected.
State Power: Got a Reservation?- Lesson Plan
Here is a wonderful lesson plan that helps students learn to differentiate between the state and federal government. Students will “discover that states have their own governments and powers separate from the federal government. They learn what those powers are, how they’re different from the federal government’s powers, and that state governments also give power to smaller, local governments.”
The Great State- Lesson Plan
This lesson plan offers an overview of the structure, functions, lawmaking of state governments. The lesson also explores the relationship between state and local government.
States Rule!- WebQuest
This resource is a WebQuest that allows students to explore the differences between various states. Students will also learn about their home state government and its relationship to the federal government.
Comparative Constitutions-Lesson Plan
In this lesson students will explore the similarities and differences between state governments and the federal government by comparing and contrasting “the provisions of the U.S. Constitution alongside the state constitutions of Florida and Virginia.” Students will be able to “find common ways in which state constitutions differ from (and are similar to) the U.S. Constitution.” They will be able to take a closer look at their own state constitution.
This is a good article for resources in the classroom. I’m sure with covid, and everything being online, many people are looking for more interactive websites for their children or students.
I have never heard about the I civics website, but I definitely think this could be something good for teachers to know about to have some fun in the classroom. I believe when students are having fun learning then they will have the want to actually learn, and with this website I believe that students will have that ability.