Three Branches of Government Lesson Plan

Teacher(s): Justin Beauvais Subject: Civics/Government

Standard(s): Strand 3 Concept 2: Structure of Government: PO2 analyze the creation of the United States Constitution

Objectives (Explicit): Help the student be able to understand what the constitution is and differentiate the similarities and differences
between the three branches of governments roles. By understanding each branches role, this will help the students have a better
understanding of the checks and balances system.

Evidence of Mastery (Measurable): Active class participation, a short quiz at the end of each day with plickers to discuss the errors the
next morning. Also a 5 minute final presentation on what they have learned.

What are the three branches of government?

What branch of government holds the court system?

What branch of government is responsible for making laws?

Sub-objectives, SWBAT (Sequenced from basic to complex): Content and Language objectives action verbs such as write, list,
highlight, etc.) Help the students gain the ability to analyze primary and secondary sources, and be able to tell the difference. The
students will also see great improvement in their research skills as well as reading/interpreting historical texts.

Key vocabulary: Constitution, Legislative, Executive and Judicial. Materials/Technology Resources to be Used:
Prezi/PowerPoint, white board, personal electronic
devices, SMART Board.

Opening (state objectives, connect to previous learning, and make RELEVANT to real life) ENGAGE/ hook the students

By now it is common knowledge that President Trump tried to pass a ban that would prevent certain
countries/religions from traveling to this country but it was overturned in court because of the
constitution. We are going to learn about the creation of the constitution and what it means for us as a
country, what power it has over this country and how it affects every person in this country. We will
learn about the three branches of government as well as the checks and balance system that ensures
accountability for everyone including our president.

Instructional Input Teacher Will: Be specific Student Will: Be specific

This will be a detailed lecture covering the
three branches of government, detailing
each branches duties. The students will
then be notified that they will be
responsible for a five minute presentation
on the three branches of government.
The teacher will lecture speaking Sit quiet and listen carefully. They may
specifically about the three also be taking notes.
branches and their responsibilities.
The teacher will then explain the
balance of power/checks and
balances that currently helps this
country stay a democracy.

My instruction regarding the lecture will be Co-Teaching Strategy/Differentiation How will your instruction look
verbally, as well as there will be notes on the different for those students who need differentiation or
overhead. The presentations will vary based accommodations during your instructional input/teaching?
on each students learning preferences. They
can do a report, a dramatization or even a
piece of art. This differentiation will help
allow each student to learn how they feel
they learn best.

Guided Practice Teacher Will: Be specific Student Will: Be specific

I will explain that each student will be responsible for a Clear and concise in the The students will be engaged and
five minute presentation regarding the three branches of instructions, as well as open to any listening. Once the explanation is done
government. They will each choose one branch, and must questions the students may they will be brain storming ideas, and
elaborate on its role and responsibility. Each student is also have.The teacher will provide deciding their preference. The student
responsible for choosing how they would like to present questions that the students will will also bounce ideas off of their
this whether it is a report or speech etc. ponder. Next, the teacher will teacher, looking for feedback.
instruct the students to start brain-
storming ideas and will give
feedback on ideas.

Each student will be responsible for Co-Teaching Strategy/Differentiation/Check for Understandinghow are
submitting their choice, as well as their way you going to know if EACH student is ready to move onto independent
of presenting to the teacher. At that point the practice? And how are you going to differentiate if they do not
teacher will provide feedback, which will understand?
ensure that the student is ready to move
forward. If they do not understand, I will
break it down piece by piece and see if there
is a certain part that is confusing. If not, then
I will try explaining in different ways, because
that will probably mean they learn in a
different way.

Independent Practice Teacher Will: Be specific Student Will: Be specific

Each student will give their five minute In the back of the room watching In the front of the class delivering their
presentation, determined by a random draw. and grading each presentation. The presentation in its entirety. The student
teacher will also be watching to will be loud and clear vocally, and be
make sure those who are not thorough in their presentation. They
presenting are being quiet and will then answer any questions at the
respectful. end of their presentation that their
peers may have.

The only differentiation will be how the Co-Teaching Strategy/Differentiation How will your instruction look
presentation is graded. The grading different for those students who need differentiation or accommodations?
differentiation will be based on each students
capabilities. All grading will be fair, but not
necessarily equal.

Closing/Student Reflection/Real-life connections: What connections will students make to their real lives? What essential questions
will they reflect on in their closure of the lesson?

You have now experienced a vital part of this country, and now know it in much greater detail. The
checks and balances are what prevents a president from making and changing any laws that would be
unconstitutional. This connection is extremely relevant because of the issue that is taking place today
with President Trump. Essential questions they will reflect on are as follows:
Why is the balance of power important?

Are the three branches of government effective?

How do these branches affect society?