Civics and Government

Grade Level: Middle School (5th-8th grades)

Prerequisites: None

Text: Uncle Sam and You by Ray and Charlene Notgrass

Curriculum Publisher: Notgrass History

Course Description:
Uncle Sam and You is a one-year course on American civics and government for students in grades five through eight. The curriculum guides the student on an engaging tour of our country to learn about elected leaders and everyday citizens who fill important roles in making our country work. It covers elections, what public officials do, how government agencies function, and the other topics listed below. One lesson in each unit focuses on a patriotic holiday and suggests a family activity to help the student appreciate the meaning of that holiday. The curriculum includes an anthology of stories and original sources that are assigned throughout the course. Other assignments include vocabulary, creative projects, and short writing assignments. The eight assigned works of literature teach students about individuals who have helped our country and times when communities work together to accomplish a goal.

Course Content/Goals/Outline:
Founding documents and patriotic symbols of the United States
Levels (federal, state, and local) and branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) of American government
Elections: the history of enfranchisement in the U.S., political parties, conventions, campaigns, and the actual voting process
The Presidency
Congress
Supreme Court and the judicial system
International relations
Military
State government
Local government
Native American tribal government
Homeland Security
Immigration
First responders
Finance and money
Natural resources
Technology and communication
Transportation
Social service agencies
Education and the arts
Tourism
American holidays

Types of Assessment Used:
Creative writing assignments
Projects
Student Workbook: handwork sheets and tests
Lesson Review: review questions and tests