Introduction
- How does the U.S. System of Checks and Balances differs from other European government systems?
- Compare and contrast the United States government with other government of your choice.
Image Source: The American System of Checks & Balances from SlideShare
Checks and Balances refers to the system of that the U.S. Constitution and is set up to ensure that no one branch of government would become too powerful. Students will understand the system of checks and balances at an appropriate grade level content. The teacher will make the content fun and ease to understand. The student will understand the functions of the U.S. system of checks and balances and how is composed.
Task
Students will create a chart or a table comparing the United States system of Cheeks and Balance with another European country of their choice. Students will elaborate a concept map describing the process of Checks and Balances (an example is shown below)
Process
Instructions for the assignments
The student will use Google Docs to create a table or a chart. The student will compare/contrast the United States system of Checks and Balances to another European Country.
The student will use Google Docs to create a table or a chart. The student will compare/contrast the United States system of Checks and Balances to another European Country.
- The student will create their own table or chart using Google docs.
- The student will click on the link the teacher will provide or will access to their own google account.
- The student will open a new document, and create the table.
- The student may identify the strengths and weakness of the two governments.
- The student will compare the differences between the two systems.
- The student will conclude with the question: What type of system do you thing is better?
- The teacher will ensure that all the students will master the content with an appropriate feedback about the U.S. system of Checks and Balances.
- The teacher will show a video that explains the system of checks and valances: video link:
- Students will elaborate a concept map including the new vocabulary words and the teacher will provide the students with appropriate instructions for the concept map.
- Students will work in groups for this assignment, the teacher will provide a link to access the appropriate websites.
Students will elaborate a concept map describing the process of Checks and Balances. Studens may use the following tools: Bubbl.us, mindomo, mindmeister, and/or spicynodes. The teacher will provide an example and will explain who to use the tools. Student will work in groups.
Evaluation
The teacher will provide a rubric to evaluate the concept map and the table or chart. Concept map Rubric. Social Studies Concept Map Rubric
Tools for elaboration of the concept map, you can use any of these web sites:
- Bubbl.us (https://bubbl.us/),
- mindomo (http://www.mindomo.com/),
- mindmeister (http://www.mindmeister.com/),
- or spicynodes (http://www.spicynodes.org/)
§113.16. Social Studies, Grade 5
(16) Government. The student understand the framework of government created by the U.S. Constitution of 1787. The student will expect to:
a) identify and explain the different functions of the three branches of the government;
b) identify the reasons for and describe the system of checks and balances outlines in the U.S.Constitution.
(16) Government. The student understand the framework of government created by the U.S. Constitution of 1787. The student will expect to:
a) identify and explain the different functions of the three branches of the government;
b) identify the reasons for and describe the system of checks and balances outlines in the U.S.Constitution.
The ISTE NET (Teacher)
(II) Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessment.
- Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats
- Model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyse, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.
(II) Communication and collaboration Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
- Interact, collaborate,and publish with peers, experts, or others … variety of digital environment and media.
- Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media formats.
After evaluation and an appropriate assessment and feedback of the concepts, the entire class should master the objectives. The student understands the U.S. System of Checks and Balances and its functions. Identify and explain the different functions of the three branches of the government. Identify the reasons for and describe the system of checks and balances outlines in the U.S.Constitution. The student also must mastered the technology standards.
example of concept map: