Lesson 28: Introduction to Illinois Government Objective Outcome Activities Supplies Multiple Intelligence Thinking Skills

One Day: approximately 45 minutes                  

Learning Standard: 14 B.1: Identify the different levels of government as local, state and national.  14 B.3: Identify and compare the basic political systems of Illinois and the United States as prescribed in their constitutions.

Objective: To determine prior knowledge of the United States and Illinois Governments
Outcome: The students will generate questions for research and begin journal entries for the comparisons of the two governments

Special Note:  At the end of the unit the students will be playing the game "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?"  During the government part of the Illinois Unit (lessons 28- 32)  the students need to be writing down review questions as they research.  These questions should be designed around the knowledge they have acquired during that research.  The game is designed to review and assess knowledge learned. The teacher should review the students' questions and determine which ones are appropriate for the game.

Activities: KWL Charts to determine prior knowledge.  These charts will be kept for future reference and to be used as a reference source.

1. United States Government

If possible find a current event in the newspaper dealing with some aspect of the national government. Read it to the class and ask them what branch(es) of government are talked about in the article. Generate a discussion with the students on the things they already know about the national novernment. Write down the information on the chart. Discuss with the students any items that are listed.  If misconceptions or misinformation is evident, clearing them up is important.  This can be done by having students who are properly informed share their knowledge, or write down the misinformation in the form of a question to be researched and entered into the chart later.

After this is complete, the students will then make a KWL chart on the Illinois government.  Following the same procedure as the national KWL chart. Starting with an article about the Illinois government can generate some prior knowledge. Compare and contrast how the two governments are alike and different. Comparisons of the two governments will reinforce the concepts of a hierarchy, checks and balances, as well as constitutional rights and privileges.

2. Illinois Government

These charts can be used in subsequent lessons to aid in reference and ongoing assessment. As research is being completed, whole group sessions on what has been learned that day can be entered into both charts.

Multiple Intelligences: Verbal/Linguistic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal
Thinking Skill: Summary/Evaluation/Knowledge

Supplies: Newspaper article, chart paper, marker, and, chalk.   The chalkboard can be used, then copy the information onto some type of chart for further reference.

Student Groupings: This can be a whole class activity or form groups of 2-3 students.  Groups could brainstorm then come back as entire class to share knowledge.

Collaborators: Patti Bessick, Jan Cimorelli Karen Leftwich, & Debbie Lowery Created: 07/11/00 Modified: 08/05/06 School District 54, Schaumburg, Illinois http://web54.sd54.k12.il.us/district54/socst/illinois/lessons/less28.ht