The Branches Of Government

Introduction

by: Theresa Schleinitz

 

This WebQuest is designed to guide third grade students to understand the differences between the three branches of government.

Introduction

We need your help!  The third grade teachers have all caught a bad stomach bug, and can not come to work today.  

It is very important that all third graders understand how the branches of government are divided.  Will you help your fellow classmates learn about the three branches of government?  

Start with this introduction video: 

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Then follow these steps:

  1. Read over the task on the Task Page.
  2. Go to the Evaluation page and look over the rubic you will graded by.
  3. Begin your research by going through the Process page.
  4. Read the conclusion and make sure you have completed all the stages.
Task

Task

Your task will be to complete all three processes to research each branch of government.  You will need to record what each branch of government does.  Then you will complete a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting the branches. 

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Click here for a copy of the record sheet.

Process

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Evaluation

Evaluation

This is how your work will be evaluated.

  Beginning
1		 Developing
2		 Qualified
3		 Exemplary
4		 Score
Research on Branches Responsibilities You listed one responsibility for each branch on the record sheet.  You listed two responsibilities for each branch on the record sheet.  You listed three responsibilities for each branch on the record sheet.  You listed more than three responsibilities for each branch on the record sheet. 
Research on Head of the Branches You listed the head of one branch of government. You listed the head(s) of two branches of government.  You listed the head(s) of all three branches of government. You listed the head(s) of all three branches of government and the name of the person who currently holds this position.
Other Research You listed one interesting fact about a branch of government.  You listed one fact about two branches of government.  You listed one fact about all three branches of government.  You listed more than one fact for all three branches of government. 
Venn Diagram You contrasted two branches of government.  You contrasted all three branches of government. You contrasted all three branches of government and compared two of the branches. You contrasted and compared all three branches of government. 
Spelling and Grammar Most of your words are spelled correctly and you use a few complete sentences.  Most of your words are spelled correctly and you used complete sentences most of the time.  All of your words are spelled correctly and you used complete sentences most of the time. All of your words are spelled correctly and you used complete sentences all of the time. 
Neatness Most of your work is legible. All of your work is legible.  All of your work is legible and you wrote neatly. All of your work is legible, written neatly, and organized.
Participation  You worked well with your group to contribute a few items.  You worked well with your group to contribute on one branch.  You worked well with your group to contribute on two branches. You worked well with your group to contribute to all branches of government. 
Conclusion

Conclusion

 Now that you have visited all three branches of government, you should have a

good understanding of the responsibilities of each branch.  Make sure that you

have reviewed the evaluation rubric, completed the record sheet, and create a

VennDiagram on construction paper.  Be ready to show your teachers what you

havelearned when they return tomorrow.

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Credits

Credits

  • Pictures provided by BING images search.
  • Record sheet and Venn Diagram created using Microsoft Word.
Teacher Page

Learners

 The third grade students will work in groups to discover the differences between the three branches of government.

Standards

Government/Civic Understandings SS3CG1 

The student will explain the importance of the basic principles that provide the foundation of a republican form of government. 
a. Explain why in the United States there is a separation of power between branches of government and levels of government.
 b. Name the three levels of government (national, state, local) and the three branches in each (executive, legislative, judicial), including the names of the legislative branch (Congress, General Assembly, county commission or city council).
 c. State an example of the responsibilities of each level and branch of government.

Teacher Process

 Please make sure you have divided your students into groups before beginning this WebQuest.  

Students will need the following to complete this WebQuest:

  • internet access
  • copies of the record sheet 
  • Social Studies text book

Guide the students to complete the WebQuest in order so they will have a good understanding of what is expected of them.