U.S. PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY

How It Works: 

Students will a journey through history exploring past and current presidents. The students will be able to understand the structure, functions, and purposes of government and how the principles and values of American democracy are reflected in American constitutional government.

Students are also engaged in researching presidents through the use of technology showcased in a HyperStudio presentation. Students learn the fundamentals of technology by copying, pasting, and saving items needed to complete their research. As a finale, students will be able to become the president of their choice and present themselves to their class.

Standards:   

The students will learn about the role of the citizen in American democracy.

The students will read biographies and short stories related to American presidents.

The students will identify the Declaration of Independence, their United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights as the documents that serve as the basis for American democratic principles.

The students will discuss the major democratic principles and concepts outlined in the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights; i.e. freedom, justice, equality, voting, majority and minority rule.

Estimated Class Periods To Complete: 10 or more

Software Materials Used:  

White House Presidents

 White House Learning

 White House History

videos, 8mm movies, desktop publishing software, book marked Web sites

  Keywords:

Presidents of the U.S.A., American History, government, civics, Social Studies, voting, Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Washington, D.C., Bill of Rights

Students:  

This unit was prepared for 5th grade students and those whose second language is English to compare and contrast their home governmental rights to those of the United States. Students are actively involved in meaningful conversations related to the lesson being taught.  It allows them to think critically and creatively.  Students develop computer skills, i.e. word processing, researching documents and web sites, and extracting photos or related materials to be cut and pasted to their document. For this reason, students complete work in a small group setting. 

Overall:    

This unit has allowed students to be active speakers and to develop confidence within themselves.  They learn the rights they have as citizens of the United States of America.

Tips:    

Teachers should develop background information for better students’ comprehension. Teachers should also prepare students to participate in role-play of events that took place in various times in history.

About the Teacher: 

Mrs. Joy H. Hechavarria is a 5th grade elementary school teacher 
at Southside Elementary in Miami, Florida.  She teaches language arts and social studies curriculum. Mrs. Hechavarria received a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Florida Memorial College. Mrs. Hechavarria’s class 
is participating in the Citibank FamilyTech program' a program 
that loans computers to families and classrooms and provides computer training for parents, students and teachers

Subjects:  Social Studies

Grade Levels:  5 and 6

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