9a+Station+2--Sambple+Gov.+Lesson


 * TEMPLATE FORM. I AM STILL WORKING ON THIS PAGE AND IT IS NOT CURRENTLY FINISHED.**

=Station Two --Sample Lesson=

For this lesson, students will be working online individually or in pairs. The following is a sample of the work students will do in this station. Please be sure to review the student activities and links so that you can include them in the face to face Big Picture station.
 * Research Station**: Review, Assign and Research

(Students view)

page 1 Seizing a Civic Opportunity

In class, you have been discussing school rules. It came to the conclusion that not only are some of the laws really annoying but in some instances they are very poorly thought though and executed. The rule doesn't seem to fix the problem. This has been eating at you since the class discussion cause not only is the rule really bad but you have witnessed many people break this rule and simply get away with it. At a restaurant one evening, you spot a lawmaker (a person who can help you get rid of this rule once and for all). You quickly write him a note on a napkin hoping that instead of taking his social time, you can simply give this to him. Get ready to jot down this note

page 2

Before you begin this activity, you must first review and become knowledgeable about your civic responsibilities and the legislative process


 * Lesson Checklist: This is a list of all the readings, videos, assignments and assessments you must complete for this lesson
 * Reading Assignments: Examining the Role of Congress
 * Write your napkin note to the lawmaker you saw at the restaurant
 * Watch the Video of how an idea becomes a law
 * Take the required lesson quizzes and test
 * Participate in the discussion board

page 3 Lecture Reviews. This reading activity is not very extensive so it is important that you read the entire page.
 * ** [|Examining the Role of Congress]: Make sure you examine all the links to gather as much background as possible.

There are many, many problems in our comminities and within our schools. People complain about social problems all the time. However, what most people do not realize is that complaining about a problem does not make the problem go away. People always say..."Somebody should do something about this?", "Why doesn't anyone do anything about that?".

The only way to fix a perceived problem, is to do something about it. It all begins with a small action which often prompts others to take interest and get involved.

Now you are ready to write a note to that lawmaker. You note must contain the following elements:


 * Greeting: //Dear Mr. Lawmaker.....//
 * The reason for your note: //I am writing you this quick not because....//
 * What problems does this rule cause?: //because of this rule, the following things are happening....//
 * What do you think is the solution?: //I have an idea....//
 * Signed//: Concerned Citizen//

This simple process is part of being an involved citizen. Being involved in the development of your community, gives you the power to influence change and begin to mold the community of your dreams. The next activity will give you a glimpse at what happens, once the lawmaker has the message in his hand. How does he have to do in order to change the laws?

Step into his shoes....

page 4 Researching The Legislative Process

You will be participating in an interactive simulation. You will be playing first a Representative and then a Congressman. The game is called LawCraft. ALL OF THESE ASSIGNMENTS CAN BE DONE DIGITALLY OR TRADITIONALLY. You may choose to work alone but you can also work in groups (4 max.).
 * 1) To really get a grasp of the process Watch[| this review the short video]
 * 2) Begin the LawCraft game and go through the instructions carefully
 * 3) Play the game (about 20 min)
 * 4) After you have played the game, complete the following in writing: Make a list what it takes to make a law. This bulleted list mus relate to the steps you experienced in the LawCraft simulation.

CLICK [|HERE] TO BEGIN YOUR ASSIGNMENT