Objective:

Students will work in groups to build physical models representing the three levels of government (local, state, federal) using craft materials. They will discuss the functions of each level, the roles of officials, and the relationship between the U.S. and California Constitutions. The lesson will also explore how modern computing technologies, such as social media, have influenced government practices and civic engagement.

Materials Needed:

• Craft materials (e.g., cardboard, markers, glue) for creating models of government buildings

• Printed handouts describing the roles of local, state, and federal government officials

Steps:

• Introduction:

  • Begin by exploring the importance of the U.S. and California Constitutions in shaping government structures. 

  • Discuss the different levels of government and their functions, focusing on the roles of local, state, and federal officials. 

  • Introduce a conversation about how modern technologies, such as social media, have changed the way citizens and governments interact, providing new ways for people to voice concerns and participate in governance.

• Building Government Models:

  • In small groups, students will create physical models of government buildings representing the three levels of government. 

  • For example, they can build a city hall, a state capitol, and the White House using cardboard and markers. 

  • Each group will label their models and place key officials, such as the president, governors, and mayors, to represent each level’s responsibilities.

• Integrating Discussions on Computing Technologies:

  • After creating the models, lead a discussion on how technologies like social media, government websites, and GPS have transformed civic engagement and how governments manage public services. 

  • For example, discuss how GPS helps in disaster response and how social media has become a platform for political campaigns or policy updates.

• Presenting the Models and Technology's Role:

  • Each group will present their physical models to the class, explaining how the levels of government function and how the U.S. and California Constitutions ensure a balance of power. 

  • As part of their presentations, students will explain how modern computing technologies play a role in governance, such as online town halls, government apps, or using social media for public announcements.

• Reflection on Technology's Influence:

  • Conclude with a class discussion on how technology influences government structures and the relationship between elected officials and citizens. 

  • Reflect on how modern platforms have changed civic engagement, allowing for faster communication and greater public involvement in decision-making.

Equity and Access:

Provide pre-cut materials and simplified templates for students who need additional guidance in building their models. Group students to ensure collaboration and peer support.

Real-World Application:

Discuss how modern computing technologies have changed civic engagement, such as how citizens can now voice their opinions on social media or use government websites to access services. Highlight the importance of technological tools in enhancing government transparency and public participation.

CS Practice(s):

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students identify how modern technologies, such as social media or government websites, solve problems related to governance and public services.

• Developing and Using Abstractions: Students create physical models to represent government buildings.

Standard(s):

• CA HSS 4.5.5

• CA CS 3-5.IC.20

Objective:

Students will use a coding platform such as Scratch to create interactive scenes illustrating the different levels of government (local, state, federal) and their functions, as described in the U.S. and California Constitutions. They will also discuss how computing technologies, such as the internet and social media, have influenced modern governance and communication between governments and citizens.

Materials Needed:

• Tablets or computers

• Pre-made coding templates for the three levels of government

Steps:

• Introduction:

  • Begin by introducing the U.S. Constitution and its importance in defining the structure of the U.S. government, as well as the California Constitution’s role. 

  • Discuss the levels of government—federal, state, and local—and their roles in citizens' lives. 

  • Ask students to consider how modern technologies like social media, government websites, and GPS have influenced governance, communication, and decision-making processes.

• Coding Government Structures and Functions:

  • In pairs, students will use a coding platform to create digital scenes representing each level of government. 

  • Each scene should depict government officials (e.g., mayors, governors, and the president) carrying out their roles, such as passing laws, implementing them, or ensuring justice. 

  • Students will add animations to showcase how these branches work together. 

  • Emphasize the use of computational thinking to structure their scenes logically, showing how different levels of government interact and solve problems.

• Integrating Computing Technologies:

  • After creating their scenes, students will research examples of how computing technologies, such as government websites, social media platforms, and GPS tools, help connect citizens with their government. 

  • Each group will incorporate these technologies into their coding scenes, such as showing how social media can be used to communicate policy changes or how GPS helps in emergency responses.

• Testing and Refining:

  • Students will test their interactive coding programs to ensure the animations clearly represent the functions and structures of government. 

  • They will refine their scenes as needed, ensuring that the levels of government are accurately depicted.

• Presentation and Discussion:

  • Each group will present their digital scenes to another group, explaining how the different levels of government function and interact. 

  • They will also discuss the role of modern computing technologies in governance and how it influences society, culture, and politics.

Equity and Access:

Provide pre-made templates for students who need extra assistance. Pair students with varying levels of experience to ensure everyone has a chance to collaborate effectively.

Real-World Application:

Discuss how technologies such as social media and government websites have changed how citizens interact with the government, from voting to staying informed about laws. Emphasize how these platforms provide a new form of civic engagement and accountability.

CS Practice(s):

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students create digital representations of government structures and functions using coding platforms.

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students identify how different technologies solve problems related to governance and public engagement.

Standard(s):

• CA HSS 4.5.5

• CA CS 3-5.IC.20

• CA CS 3-5.AP.12

• CA CS 3-5.AP.17