Introduction
Hello Everyone! Have you ever wondered who makes the rules in the United States or makes sure that we follow them?
Today, you will explore the basic functions of the 3 branches of U.S. Government and learn the importance of each one.
Task
By the end of this Web quest, you will be a three branches of government expert!
You will research the three branches by:
- reading articles
- watching videos
After you have explored the research, you will:
- complete a graphic organizer
- create a visual summary (word cloud or slide presentation)
Process
Step 1:
Watch three "3 branches of government" Videos:
Step 2:
After watching the videos you will read two Articles:
- https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/three-branches-of-government
- Read and complete the 10 question quiz at the end of this article: https://www.ducksters.com/history/us_government/checks_and_balances.php
Step 3:
Fill out your Branches of government Organizer (teacher handout):
- You will use the following links to gather the information to fill out the organizer.
Step 4:
Create a Visual Product:
- You will choose which one you would like to create a Slide presentation or a word cloud.
- Include the following:
- Powers of each branch
- List the key members
- Add symbols and visuals
Evaluation
| Criteria | 4 (Excellent) | 3 (Good) | 2 (fair) | 1 (Needs Improvement) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research & Content Accuracy | All information is accurate and detailed. Shows deep understanding of the topic | Information is mostly accurate; Covered all 3 branches. | Some missing Details; one or more branches are incomplete. | majority of information is incomplete or incorrect. A lot of missing elements |
| Graphic Organizer Completion | Organizer is fully complete and clearly organized. | Organizer is complete; included all required information | Partially complete; lacks detail in one or more areas | Mostly incomplete, messy, or missing important sections |
| Visual Product (Powerpoint or Word Cloud) | Product is exceedingly creative, well organized, and clearly explains all content with visuals. | Clearly explains the topic; Includes visuals and organization. | missing some content or visuals; shortage of of clarity and organization | Visual Product is unclear, lacks visuals, or does not meet basic requirements. |
| Effort/Engagement | Worked independently with focus and went beyond expectations | Stayed on task, followed directions; Consistent effort | minimal effort shown; consistently off task. | Consistently off task; work incomplete or rushed |
Conclusion
At the end of this web quest, you will know who writes the laws, enforces the laws and who interprets them; you also have a clear understanding of checks and balances. The students also know the importance of being an informed and active citizen is by understanding the branches of government.
Credits
Youtube
National Geographic
Ducksters
Google Powerpoint
Word Cloud
Graphic Organizer
Teacher Page
Aligned with the MSCCRS and the NGSS. This WebQuest was created for a 12th grade government classroom.