The structure for this elementary civics curriculum is provided by the Preamble to the United States Constitution. These words are as powerful now as when they were first written. This curriculum and its associated activities, helps teachers translate the ideology of democracy into classroom experiences through which children recognize democracy at work in their own lives. This interactive elementary school curriculum addresses responsibility and democratic participation in the early grades, providing tools and opportunities for learning and communication. Using new technologies and traditional methods, the curriculum will be distributed to diverse Minnesota schools and alternative learning sites.
Teacher training is included.
Click for a sample lesson. The entire curriculum is based on the development of critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills. Therefore, virtually all of the units could be used as components in performance packages where these skills are being assessed. The philosophy is based on the concept of experiential learning-we learn best that which we first experience and then reflect upon. Therefore, all lessons focus on student constructed learning activities.