INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE

Name: Emily Webb

Software Title: BrainPop
URL: http://brainpop.com
Function(s) of Instructional Software (check all that apply):
Drill and Practice Tutorial Simulation Instructional Game e-
books/e-references
Features of the Software (check all that apply):
Assessment Monitoring/Reporting (Keeps track of student data and/or
generates reports for the teacher) Allows teacher to create customized lessons
for students Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in class Multi-
user or collaborative functions with others beyond local class Accessible to
students beyond the school day Accessible via mobile devices Multiple
languages Safety, security, and/or privacy features
Strengths of the Software: Engaging and appealing to student, multiple content
areas, great graphics, easy to navigate, colorful, and fun characters.
Suggestions for Improvement: More languages, multi-user opportunities, and
teacher assessment and reporting tools.

Standards Addressed: See https://www.georgiastandards.org/Pages/Default.aspx

SS4H5 The student will analyze the challenges faced by the new nation.
c. Identify the three branches of the U. S. government as outlined by the
Constitution, describe what they do, how they relate to each other (checks and
balances and separation of power), and how they relate to the states.
Grade Level/Content Area(s): 4th Grade Social Studies
Blooms Level of Critical Thinking Required (check all that apply). See
http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Bloom%27s_Taxonomy
Remembering Understanding Applying Analyzing Evaluating
Creating
Description of how to implement in the class:
(https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usgovernment/branchesofgovernment/)

The teacher will introduce a study of the three branches of the United States
government by showing a BrainPop video (link above) on the branches of
government to the class on the classroom interactive board. Students will be asked
to remember the three branches and at least one major component of each branch
(ex. The President is the chief position within the Executive Branch) while they view
the video. After the video is completed, the teacher will ask the students to recall
the three branches and facilitate a short discussion on their primary components.
While the teacher facilitates discussion, the teacher will create an anchor chart for
the three branches and allow students to fill in the various positions within those as
the discussion continues.

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 INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE

After this, students will be broken up into small groups of three or four to begin
research stations. As a team, the students will choose a specific department or
position within the three branches of government to research online using a tablet
or computer. Students will record their findings on the classroom blog to be shared
with the other groups, their families, and their school. Their research will focus on
how those departments or positions execute the purpose of the specific branch of
government to which they belong, develop a deeper understanding of the facets of
government that affect everyday life, and begin to analyze how the branches of
government are related.

As an extension, students could create a video or podcast to explain the entire

branch of government they began researching. This video would contain the
research they began before but expand to a wider scope and explain how these
specific roles are dependent on the other branches of government to promote
democracy. After students create their video or podcast, they will post their final
products to their classroom blog on the U.S. Constitution. This project is student-
centered and student-paced, providing them with maximum opportunities to utilize
technology and the freedom to explore the branches of government that interest
them the most with methods that work best for them.