3. Short Range Learning Objectives/Standards for Unit (LO 2.

2) (APS
1&2)
The objectives of this 3rd grade Social Studies unit were to identify and
define the 3 branches of the state government, and identify the
representative bodies, the House and the Senate, along with the basic
powers of each branch. This week long unit was designed to include
independent and cooperative learning. Students are taught through direct
and indirect instruction.
Students will view a Schoolhouse rock video on their instructional level
regarding the branches of government. In this video, they will see the three
branches of government, as a 3 ringed circus. This video takes each branch
of government one at a time and tells the responsibilities of each and how
they are all connected. At the conclusion of this unit, students will take a trip
to the State House in Columbia, SC to see what they have been learning
about in person. This is the last mini-unit within a twenty-seven day
American Revolution unit. This mini-unit helps students understand how the
American Revolution paved the way for our states government system and
why it is important.
Unit Objectives
Students will be
able to identify
and define the 3
branches of the
state government
(judicial,
executive, and
legislative).

Activities/Instructi
onal Strategies
Graphic
organizerStudents will
create a 3-page
flipbook on each
branch. Students
will be give 3
pictures, one to
represent each
branch. They will
work with a
partner to fill in
their flipbook with
the job of each
branch, and
important
members within
each before

Assessment of
Objective
Students will
work
collaborativel
y with a
partner to find
information
on each
branch of the
state
government,
and then will
present their
findings to the
class.
Journal-In
their journals,
students will
identify each

Accommodations
Adaptations
Extended
time.
Definitions
and branch
names will be
given.
Students will
be asked to
match the
appropriate
branch with
its description.

Students will be
able to identify
and tell the
responsibility of
the House of
Representatives
and the Senate.

presenting the
branch of
information to the
government
class.
and its job.
Pass a Bill
Exit Slip-Students
Activity-Students
will be given a
will be broken into
sticky note and
5 groups. Every
asked to tell me
student will have
the
a job within the
responsibilities
group, such as
for the House and
the writer,
the Senate.
speaker, noise
monitor,
materials
manager, or the
police (make sure
everyone is
staying on task).
In their groups,
students will
create a bill
that they want to
be passed for our
class, and present
it to the House
and the Senate.
After all the group
work was
completed,
students will be
broken into the
House and
Senate. The
House will vote
on the bills that
are presented
from each group
first, then the
Senate. After the
bill is passed

Extended
time.
Representativ
es and
responsibilitie
s will be
given.
Students will
be asked to
match the
appropriate
representative
with its
responsibility.

through both the

Senate and the
House, it will pass
to the governor,
the teacher.

Branches of Government Pre-Assessment

Name:____________________________

Directions: Answer the following questions to the best of your ability. This
will NOT be for a grade, just do your best!

1. What are the 3 branches of government?

2. Which branch makes the laws?

3. Which branch makes sure people obey the laws?

4. Which branch reviews and explains the law?