Civics

Recommended Grade Level:

6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Related Categories:

1st Amendment, 2nd Amendment, 3rd Amendment, 4th Amendment, 5th Amendment, 6th Amendment, 7th Amendment, 8th Amendment, 9th Amendment, 10th Amendment, Amendments, Branches of Government, Citizenship, Constitution, Government, U.S. Constitution, Voting Rights

Teacher:

Kate Sintros

Course Description:

This Civics course is designed to provide students with a fundamental and practical understanding of local, state and national government. Several questions will be asked throughout the semester:

Why do we need government and how does the government affect our lives?
What is the basic structure of our government?
How are we protected and what are our rights as individuals?
How can we be active, informed citizens and make a difference in society?

During the semester, we will be examining the following topics:

Nature and Purpose of Government
The U.S. Constitution
The Amendments to the Constitution
Government in Action: The Three Branches of Government
Political Parties/Elections/Voting
Local Government
Ongoing Dynamic/Citizenship/Roles of a Citizen

Materials and Documents

Chris Archer v. New Columbia Mock Trial

A college student is charged with first degree murder and criminal hazing after a prospective member of his fraternity falls to her death with a blood alcohol level of .10.

Civics Competencies

Civics Lesson Plan

Full lesson plan for Civics course.

Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Cases

Students will be studying landmark Supreme Court cases to better understand the Constitutional Amendments.

People of the State of NY v. Donna Osborn

On September 6, 1991, the Monroe County Grand Jury returned a true bill against Donna Osborn, which indicted her on the charge of Murder in the Second Degree, a violation of Section 125.25 of the Penal Law. Specifically, it is alleged that on or about February 14, 1991, Donna Osborn intended to and did cause the death of Clinton Osborn II in that while at their residence at 805 Clover Street, she fired two shots from a Beretta 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, which struck Clinton Osborn II in the back and caused his death.

Search and Seizure Scenarios

State of NY v. Donna Osborn Mock Trial Sequence

The Donna Osborn Mock Trial

Assignment for Jurors and Bailiff

Back to Curriculum

“Thank you so much for your organization. I truly am most appreciative of the financial gift. This is such a rarity for teachers. In fact, finding a no-cost professional development can be a difficulty. You showed respect by providing a no-cost training, a delicious lunch, and a stipend. Thank you so very much. Looking forward to future newsletters and workshops! Thank you for helping teachers grow in their knowledge of a most important subject and cause: civics education.”

– Sabrina Maltby, Manchester Public Schools

Looking for more information?

Please contact us with any questions you may have about any of our programs or would like additional information.