Grade Levels: K-3

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This lesson accompanies the BrainPOP Jr. topic Branches of Government, and supports the standard of understanding the role of the three branches of government. Students demonstrate understanding through a variety of projects.

Step 1: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Prompt students to think about leaders in the school. Ask:

  • Why is it important for different school leaders, like principals, vice principals, and teachers to work together? 
  • How can school or community leaders make decisions that are fair for everyone?

Step 2: BUILD KNOWLEDGE

  • Play the Branches of Government movie.  
  • Click the pause button each time a question appears in Annie’s Notebook and discuss it as a class. Then play to see how Annie answers it. 

TIP: The pause button turns red to remind you to pause. 

Step 3: APPLY and ASSESS

Students take the Easy Quiz or Hard Quiz, demonstrating what they learned about the topic while applying essential literacy skills.

Step 4: DEEPEN and EXTEND

Students express what they learned about the branches of government while practicing essential literacy skills with one or more of the following activities. Differentiate by assigning ones that meet individual student or grade-level needs.

  • Draw About It:  Make a poster encouraging people to vote.
  • Activity: Write a set of laws for your class, school, or home.  
  • Talk About It: Explain how each branch of government helps run the country.
  • Write About It: Write a letter to your representative about ways your community could be improved.

More to Explore 

Government Unit: Continue to build understanding around government elements with more BrainPOP Jr. topics.

Teacher Support Resources:

 

Lesson Plan Common Core State Standards Alignments