The Three Branches of Government Webquest & PBL

Directions:  Make sure you complete each activity.  Read all of the links and passages carefully.  Make sure you discuss any questions with your group thoroughly.

Part 1 -- Review

The first part of this project is a webquest from Icivics.  Follow these directions:

1. Read and discuss each page thoroughly.
2. Use the link on the right hand side of each page.  Some will require more reading and some will have a video to watch.
3. Answer the question on the bottom of each page on binder paper.
4. Make sure you do all 6 pages that are highlighted in orange at the bottom.

Use this link:

https://www.icivics.org/web-quests/three-branches

Part 2 -- Research

Take the research quiz.  Use this link to answer the questions:

http://www.congressforkids.net/

Record your answers on your physical worksheet that looks like this one.

Ideas for this part of the webquest were taken from the following link.

http://www.lz95.org/assets/1/6/Three_Branches_of_Government_Webquest.pdf

Part 3 -- Game

Play the “Checks and Balances” and “Branches of Government” games at these links.  

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/usa_game/government/checks_and_balances.htm

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/usa_game/government/branches_government.htm

Part 4 -- Online Quiz

Take the online quiz.  Show your results to the teacher and record them on your research quiz page.

http://zunal.com/quiz.php?w=57636

Part 5 -- Slideshow

Choose one of the three branches of government.  Get it approved by your teacher.  With your group, create a slideshow using your Google accounts.  This slideshow should contain at least 7 slides worth of information.  Make sure you do the following:

1. Describe and explain the powers of your branch of government.
2. Describe and explain the checks and balances related to your branch of government.
3. Include relevant pictures.
4. Write information about some of the members of this branch of government.  (Examples: Write about one of the Supreme Court justices for the judicial branch.  Write about your Congressman or Senator.  Write about the president and vice president.)
5. Proofread your slides.

Part 6 -- Extra Credit -- Letter

Research your Congressman or Congresswoman.  Find their address.  Type and mail a letter to them about issues that you care about.  Use your Google account.

Use this link for information about writing a letter to a member of Congress.

Here is a sample letter to Congress.

Ideas for your letter:

• Write about education. (Testing, PE, field trips, class size, etc.)
• Write about big issues that affect our country as a whole. (Climate change, pollution, jobs, wars, etc.)
• Write about changes you would like to see in our country.