Students think about the characteristics of a good classroom, develop and evaluate rules to create that classroom, and establish consequences for not following the rules. The activities prepare students for reflection on the goals of the United States set forth in the Preamble to the Constitution and on how our government was designed to achieve these goals. Mediating Our Conflicts. Students use a five-step process to learn the skill of conflict mediation and practice using examples from the classroom, school, and community. The unit is designed to help students resolve conflict without violence or the need for more formal court proceedings.
Students look at lawmaking at both the national and local levels.
Students also engage in poll-taking, mediating, and a legislative simulation. The Executive Branch. Students examine the role of the police, explore their relationships with police officers, and interact directly with local law enforcement officials either at a law enforcement facility or in class. The Judicial Branch. Students study the courts as agencies that resolve disputes and apply and interpret the law.