Beacon Lesson Plan Library
Our Government Scavenger Hunt
Candace Parker
Bay District Schools
Description
Students go on a paper scavenger hunt to learn about the United States Constitution and government.
Standards
Florida Sunshine State Standards
LA.B.2.2.4
The student uses electronic technology, including word-processing software and electronic encyclopedias, to create, revise, retrieve, and verify information.
SS.C.1.2.2
The student understands the structure, functions, and primary responsibilities of executive, legislative, and judicial branches of governments and understands how all three branches of government promote the common good and protect individual rights.
Florida Process Standards
Information Managers
01 Florida students locate, comprehend, interpret, evaluate, maintain, and apply information, concepts, and ideas found in literature, the arts, symbols, recordings, video and other graphic displays, and computer files in order to perform tasks and/or for enjoyment.
Effective Communicators
02 Florida students communicate in English and other languages using information, concepts, prose, symbols, reports, audio and video recordings, speeches, graphic displays, and computer-based programs.
Cooperative Workers
08 Florida students work cooperatively to successfully complete a project or activity.
Materials
-Our Government Scavenger Hunt worksheet (See Attached File)
-Student social studies textbook
-List of U.S. Constitution books available in the media center
-Reference books such as World Book Encyclopedia
-Electronic encyclopedia such as Encarta
-Multimedia computer station(s) with access to the Internet
Preparations
1. Revise Our Government Scavenger Hunt worksheet (See Attached File) to fit the materials in the school.
2. Review various reference materials and Websites to locate information needed to complete the scavenger hunt.
3. Locate the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.
Procedures
1. After students have read about the birth of our nation and the writing of our constitution, read the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution aloud to students. Discuss the Preamble and what it means with students.
2. Have students brainstorm and record what they know about our U.S. government.
3. After students brainstorm and share their knowledge, explain that the United States is a democracy. Tell them that they are going on a scavenger hunt to learn more about the government.
4. Divide students into groups of three and pass out Our Government Scavenger Hunt worksheets (See Attached File) to each group.
5. Students use their textbooks, library books, reference books, electronic encyclopedias, and the Internet to gather information on each topic or question.
6. Students share their answers as a group with the class.
Assessments
Students will answer 75% of the questions on the Our Government Scavenger Hunt worksheet correctly.
Extensions
1. Students with varying learner styles and exceptionalities should be placed in groups with regular class students.
2. Students can also use the software program, America Rock by School House Rock.
Web Links
Web supplement for Our Government Scavenger Hunt Grolier-presidents
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