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.

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

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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.