Background of the United States Flag

Discuss the symbols on the United States flag.

(Spanish connection, tell story of the symbol on the Mexican flag).

Read flag etiquette ( site 1, site 2) so the students understand the proper ways to treat their flag.

The history of the Pledge of Allegiance

Discuss flag etiquette. Watch video.

Make fraction flags with colored paper. Have students divide a rectangle into equal fractions. Have them color the flag in colors that represent them. Then share their flags with the class.

Look through state flags or the flags of other countries.

Patriots of the Revolution

To learn more about the American Patriots try this web task: I Can Be a Patriot!

Three Branches of Government

The Constitution separated the United States Government into three different branches.

For organizing student learning use the Three Branches of Government graphic organizer.

Once the students have a way to organize their information allow them to explore Ben's Guide to the Government.

After exploring challenge student knowledge through an interactive about the three branches of government. Separation of Powers

How a Bill Becomes a Law

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Have you ever wondered where are laws come from? The answer is that they come from citizens just like you. Follow along to find out how a bill becomes a law.

Read the following: How a Bill Becomes a Law

Fill in a sequence graphic organizer to help students understand the process.

Check for understanding:

Now, split the class into two. Write a proposed law on the board for all students to see: School lunch will include two desserts. One side will be the House of Representatives, the other the Senate. Also pick one person to be the president. Discuss parliamentary procedure briefly - changes have to be proposed, then seconded, then voted upon. Allow the House to debate the bill for 5 minutes while the class observes. Then switch the bill over to the Senate. As the sides of the class change the wording of the bill, change the bill on the board. Give out some slips that include things like crazy wordings for the bill and lobbying:

- The School Lunch Workers Lobby will give you $100,000 if you vote no on this bill

- The wording should be changed to say that All female student's lunches will include two desserts.

- Consider how the extra dessert will be paid for.

At the end of the role play discuss what the students liked and didn't like about the procedure. Allow them to write these ideas down in a journal.