Instructional Software

Lesson Idea Name: The Branches of the U.S Government

Content Area: Social Studies/U.S Government

Grade Level(s): 3rd
Content Standard Addressed: SS3CG1 The student will explain the importance of the basic
principles that provide the foundation of a republican form of government.
a. Explain why in the United States there is a separation of power between branches of
government and levels of government.

Technology Standard Addressed: 3 – Knowledge Constructor

Selected Technology Tool: BrainPop.com URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):

https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usgovernment/branchesofgovernment/

Type of Instructional Software:

☒ Drill and Practice ☒ Tutorial ☐ Simulation ☒ Instructional Game ☒ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

☒ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☐ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class ☐ Multi-user or collaborative
with others outside the class
☒ v Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☒ Multiple languages
☒ Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☒ Evaluating ☒ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☒ Level 4: Integration ☐ Level

5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement
Universal Design for Learning (UDL):
There are various ways that BrainPOP can help learners of all abilities and disabilities within
diverse settings. There are several means of Representation: the movies have closed captioning,
graphics, verbal definitions, and symbols. For the English Language Learners within the class,
they can either watch the video or read the transcript, which is in multiple languages. They can
practice reading in their native language to English. Students with disabilities can replay this
video as many times as needed. By providing several options of engagement, BrainPOP will
give any student a chance to explore what interests them in to a topic. Students are engaged in
the characters in the movie and their tone helps infer meaning. Some multiple means of
expression within BrainPOP is the teacher being able to design an individual quiz with the
Mixer. The games are a way for students to be supported, scaffolded, and problem solving in
effective ways. There are different versions of games, with higher levels or lower levels.

Lesson idea implementation:

The BrainPOP video will be used to introduce the three branches of the United States
Government and what do they do. The teacher will lead a discussion on how the United States
Government is compared to a tree with three branches. The government’s branches are the
legislative, executive, and judicial branch.

After watching the video, students will partner up. Using the available resources from the
BrainPOP website, each group will complete the quiz, complete the Branches of Government
Challenge, and play the GameUp apps. A requirement is that the students play the LawCraft,
where they pretend to be a member of the U.S Congress, they’ll draft a bill on an issue they
believe in, and then take it through the full law-making process. This will take around 30
Minutes for the students to complete all tasks on the website.

Each partnered group will be able to design and implement their own bill on an issue that they
believe in and take it through the full law-making process. The students are able to decide with
their partner which delivery method they want to share their idea – brochures, podcasts, mini-
movies/commercials, etc.

A rubric will be used to support the students as they design their bill. When appropriate,
student’s work will be showcased via closed circuit TV throughout the school. Mini-groups will
complete a short reflection once the project is finished.
Reflective Practice:

This lesson will keep the students engaged since there are several options of engagement for the
students to learn with their partner on the website. This will impact student learning since they
are able to self-assess and quiz themselves. To further extend this lesson the teacher can go more
in detail on each branch rather than a lesson on all three branches at once. Another technology
tool that can further enhance this project is having the students use the make-a-movie on the
BrainPOP website on what they know about the three branches, what issues they are trying to
pass, or which branch they want to learn more about.