Unit Overview: In this unit, students will examine the meaning of civics and the reasons for why we study it. Students will compare citizenship in the American constitutional democracy to membership in other types of governments. In doing so, students will determine what it means to be a citizen of the United States, including the duties and responsibilities as well as rights that come with citizenship. Students will also explore and evaluate the naturalization process as it has changed over time as well as current immigration issues our nation faces.
Standards:
CL.C&G.3.1 Differentiate citizenship and civic participation in terms of responsibilities, duties, and privileges of citizens.
CL.C&G.3.2 Summarize the changes in process, perception, and the interpretation of U.S. citizenship and naturalization.
CL.C&G.3.3: Compare citizenship in the American constitutional democracy to membership in other types of governments.
CL.G.1.1 Explain how views on freedom and equality influence legislation and public policy on issues of immigration, migration, and the environment.
CL.H.1.3 Interpret historical and current perspectives on the evolution of individual rights in America over time.
CL.H.1.4 Explain the impact of social movements and political groups on governmental change, both current and in the past
Daily Lesson Plans - Spring 2022:
Day 1 - January 6th - First Day of Class (Cummings Absent)
Unit: 1 - Intro to Civics & Citizenship Lesson: Intro to Government Objectives: TSWBAT - Self assess baseline knowledge of Civics. Essential Questions: - What do you already know about Civics, American History, and Law in America? - What is the purpose of government and how much power should it be given? Key Questions: #1 - What are the basic functions of government? #2 - How does a direct democracy differ from a representative democracy (republic)? Lesson Sequence:
Take Attendance (Roster via PS) - Students may sit where they wish today.
Distribute Syllabus - Students should complete the student data form.
Play CNN10 - Inform students that starting next week, we will be folding this into our study of Current Events.
Introduction Assignment - Top 5, Change 5 - Students complete independently,
Closing Activity: Civics Pre-Test - Students should attempt these questions without any assistance. Submit when completed.
Day 2 - January 7th (Cummings Out)
Unit: 1 - Intro to Civics & Citizenship Lesson: Intro to Government Objectives: TSWBAT - Identify the purpose of government and differentiate between the perspectives of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. Essential Questions:What is the purpose of government and how much power should it be given? Key Questions: #1 - In what ways would Hobbes agree with the government of the United States? #2 - In what ways would Locke agree with the government of the United States? Lesson Sequence:
Take Attendance (Roster via PS) - Students may sit where they wish today.
Unit: 1 - Intro to Civics & Citizenship Lesson: Intro to Government Objectives: TSWBAT - Identify and describe our class's procedures and the scope of study in Civics Literacy. - Describe the study of civics and the need for government? Essential Questions: Key Questions: #1 - What is the need for government? #2 - List at least three different government systems. Lesson Sequence:
CNN10 - Introduction to Civic Responsibilities (Week Sheet)
Unit: 1 - Intro to Civics & Citizenship Lesson: Intro to Government Objectives: TSWBAT - Identify the key characteristics of several types of government systems. Essential Questions: Key Questions: #1 - What are two types of systems where one rules? #2 - What are two types of systems where many rule? All rule? Lesson Sequence:
Closer - Answer Key Questions -or- Optimistic Closure: What type of government do you feel is the most interesting?
Day 5 - Wednesday, January 12th
Unit: 1 - Intro to Civics & Citizenship Lesson: Intro to Government Objectives: TSWBAT - Identify the functions of government and the key characteristics of several types of government systems. Essential Questions: Key Questions: #1 - What are two types of systems where one rules? #2 - What are two types of systems where many rule? All rule? Lesson Sequence
Closer - Answer Key Questions -or- Optimistic Closure: What type of government do you feel is the most interesting?
Day 6 - Thursday, January 13th
Unit: 1 - Intro to Civics & Citizenship Lesson: Diversity of Americans & Citizenship Objectives: TSWBAT - Describe historic trends in immigration and identify the ways in which one can be a US Citizen. Essential Question: How does someone become a citizen of the United States? Key Questions: #1 - How is a natural-born citizen different from a naturalized citizen? #2 - What steps does one need to take to become a naturalized citizen? Lesson Sequence:
Unit: 1 - Intro to Civics & Citizenship Lesson: Diversity of Americans & Citizenship Objectives: TSWBAT - Describe historic trends in immigration and identify the ways in which one can be a US Citizen. Essential Question: How does someone become a citizen of the United States? Key Questions: #1 - How is a natural-born citizen different from a naturalized citizen? #2 - What steps does one need to take to become a naturalized citizen? Lesson Sequence:
Extension Option #2 - Citizen USA: A 50 State Road Trip
TOTD - Key Questions
Day 8 - Tuesday, January 18th
Unit: 1 - Intro to Civics & Citizenship Lesson: Civics Duties & Responsibilities Objectives: TSWBAT - identify the civic responsibilities and duties of all citizens of the United States. Essential Question: What rights, responsibilities, and duties come along with citizenship? What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States and what comes along with that title? Key Questions: #1 - How is a natural-born citizen different from a naturalized citizen? #2 - What steps does one need to take to become a naturalized citizen? Lesson Sequence:
Unit: 1 - Intro to Civics & Citizenship Lesson: Civics Duties & Responsibilities Objectives: TSWBAT - identify the civic responsibilities and duties of all citizens of the United States. Essential Question: What rights, responsibilities, and duties come along with citizenship? What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States and what comes along with that title? Key Questions: #1 - How is a natural-born citizen different from a naturalized citizen? #2 - What steps does one need to take to become a naturalized citizen? Lesson Sequence:
Unit: 1 - Intro to Civics & Citizenship Lesson: Civics Duties & Responsibilities Objectives: TSWBAT - identify the civic responsibilities and duties of all citizens of the United States. Essential Question: What rights, responsibilities, and duties come along with citizenship? What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States and what comes along with that title? Key Questions: #1 - How is a natural-born citizen different from a naturalized citizen? #2 - What steps does one need to take to become a naturalized citizen? Lesson Sequence:
Unit: 1 - Intro to Civics & Citizenship Lesson: Civics Duties & Responsibilities Objectives: TSWBAT - identify the civic responsibilities and duties of all citizens of the United States. Essential Question: What rights, responsibilities, and duties come along with citizenship? What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States and what comes along with that title? Key Questions: #1 - How is a natural-born citizen different from a naturalized citizen? #2 - What steps does one need to take to become a naturalized citizen? Lesson Sequence: