1. The Red, White and Blue

2.  Essential Question:  Why are three branches of Government necessary?  Unit Question:  What are the purposes for the three branches of government.  Why are the three branches important for our government.  Content Question:  What are the three branches of government?  What are the three branches of government functions?

3.  Visuals  Hand on Activities  Writing  Inquiry  Collaboration  Rigor

4.  Students will list the essential details of the three branches of government by making a tree. On each limb students will identify the three branches of government using websites in groups of three.  Students will make a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the three branches of government using textbooks and websites in groups of three.

5.  Students will illustrate the big idea of the three branches of government using articles to create a poster in groups of two.  Students will evaluate the rules of the three branches of government using textbooks to create a model in groups of three.

6.  School House Rock Internet Video:  Questions and Answers.

7.  Gauging student needs  Flash Card Game  Puzzle  Encouraging self-direction:  Peer sharing of ideas  Computer research  Monitoring progress  Worksheets  Oral assessments  Checking for Understanding  Small group quiz