The Consitution and Voting

Introduction:
Missouri State Standards mandate that students learn about laws and the United States Government.  This WebQuest is a fun and educational way for young students to learn more about laws and voting!

Learners:
*This WebQuest is designed for second and third grade students to learn about laws. They will also learn about the Bill of Rights, voting, and participate in the democratic process themselves.
*Students should know computer basics (clicking and scrolling) and how to use the Internet (using links, clicking back, etc.).
*Students will need to know how to read. They should know how to look for important information and record it on a worksheet.

Objectives/Goals:
I would recommend starting this project early on in the school year, after you have introduced and started your regular unit on the United States Government. This way, the students will have some background knowledge and they should be able to take this project further than without any previous knowledge.
* Students will learn about the Constitution.
* Students will learn what a law is.
* Students will learn about the Bill of Rights.
* Students will learn why voting is important.
* Students will give suggestions and vote on a Classroom Constitution.
* Students will have "fun" with Social Studies.


Standards - Missouri Grade Level Expectations:
Social Studies
1.  Knowledge of the principles expressed in documents shaping constitutional democracy in the United States
     A.  Identify why laws and rules are made; Explain how laws and rules are made and changed to promote the common good; Explain and apply the concept of majority rule  (SS1 4.1, 1.10)
     C.  Identify the purpose of the Constitution (SS1 1.5)
2.  Knowledge of principles and processes of governance systems
     A.  Participate in a democratic decision-making processes (SS2 4.2)
Visual Arts (FA 1)
3. Communicate ideas about subject matter and themes in artworks created for various purposes
B. Create an example of graphic art (e.g., poster, illustration, advertisement, greeting card)
C. Create an original artwork that communicates ideas about the following themes:
     • United States
     • Patriotism

Resources:
Prerequisite Skills: Comfort level with the Internet
Time Required: Two days – Day 1 for groups to do research, fill out worksheet, create posters, and write Classroom Constitution (60 min). Day 2 for groups to present their information and to vote on Classroom Constitution (30 min).
Technology Needs/Materials Needed: Since students will be working in groups, it is not necessary for each student to have a computer, but each group must have one accessible computer with Internet access
Cites: The resources and web links included on this website are external websites and I would like to thank them for creating such useful WebPages.