Unit Overview 

We investigate the rights and responsibilities that are built into the fabric that formed the United States. We explore the roles of the three branches of government, the importance of having a public voice, the issues in the “Bill of Rights” and the essential qualities of the Core Democratic Values. The unit motivates individuals through cartooning, singing, and dancing.

Service Experience 
Participants create editorial cartoons and share their opinions through humor and illustration for the benefit of other students at the school. They present the “Bill of Rights” through a song with creative movement. They present to a retirement community or another classroom in the school. They create posters that instruct others about the Core Democratic Values. The posters are displayed or shared online to communicate their knowledge and encourage others to reflect on the values.
Lessons in This Unit 
Unit: 
We the Kids - The Three Branches and Me
Lesson 1 of 4
Grades: 
3
4
5

In a kid-friendly approach, we look at the components of the U.S. Constitution and put early government-forming events in a context. We distinguish the roles of the three branches of government, especially the structure and responsibilities of our judicial system. 

Unit: 
We the Kids - The Three Branches and Me
Lesson 3 of 4
Grades: 
3
4
5

In this lesson, we analyze the Bill of Rights and explore the importance of the issues involved. We participate in a creative performance, singing and dancing to learn and teach the Bill of Rights. The performance may be planned for members of the community (younger children or senior citizens).