Social Studies - Political Science & Citizenship Models

These models were developed in response to the findings of the Civics Action Task Force and supported by a grant from the Center for Civic Education.

Elementary Level

Designing and Developing An Outdoor Classroom

An outdoor classroom was planned, designed, constructed, and landscaped by the students through committee work under the direction of Pat Reis, an art teacher at Royal Oaks Elementary School in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and a consultant provided for by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board. Although the Royal Oaks Project was developed as an art project, this model lesson was written up from a social studies perspective. The social studies focus is intended to show how local, state, and national levels of government can become part of an integrated elementary project

What is an American?

Terry Schoessow, a third grade teacher and member of the Civics Action Task Force, shared these ideas from the Mequon-Thiensville social studies curriculum. The focus is on developing patriotism and on recognizing the rights and responsibilities of individuals in our American democracy. This district uses modules that are designed to teach the standards. Included in this module are the standards, resources, and activities used to help young children develop citizenship skills and attitudes.

Middle Level

Solving Community Problems

Toki Middle School teachers in Madison developed an interdisciplinary project to help students research topics from racism within the school to pedestrian safety on the road around the school. Students applied the scientific method studying and gathering data about a community problem of their choosing. Using statistics, students analyzed the problem to gain a deeper understanding of it and its impact on the community. Creative solutions were formulated after the problem was examined. Students produced a written document that could be sent to interested individuals or organizations. Using knowledge of how public policy is created, students targeted an individual or group to present their findings and solutions. Former teacher, Jo Olson, shared this activity.

Project Citizen

Schools in Wisconsin are able to receive materials to participate in Project Citizen, a project administered by the Center for Civic Education in cooperation with the National Conference of State Legislatures. The project is intended to help students identify the level of government and agency most appropriate for dealing with the problem and how to express their opinions and influence policy decisions. For information about this project, contact the Law Related Committee of the Wisconsin Bar.

High School Level

"Up North" - A Land Use Planning Simulation

This classroom activity was shared by Mark Minar. It examines a fictional land use problem in northern Wisconsin. A local land use issue could be used in most areas of the state. After role-playing the parts of various interest groups and government officials, students are challenged to come to consensus on what is in the best interest of the public and the common good of the community.

American Experience III - Contemporary Public Issues

Greg Mueller, former Madison teacher, provided a series of activities that goes beyond the work of Six Thinking Hats by Edward deBono, to help students examine public issues. Several resources for issues are identified. Gambling is the issue chosen for this example. A score sheet to evaluate student discussion skills is included.

Examining Issues in a Democracy

In these lessons, students examine issues in the news and before the government. Students identify differing perspectives and viewpoints of the issues and various methods to influence the public debate and political outcomes. The activity, used with classes in the Ashwaubenon High School, was shared by Brent Brayko and Pat Hinckley. An example of this activity is included. It uses the Wisconsin Perrier water issue that headlined many news reports in Wisconsin in the 1980's. Les Wakefield, former consultant at the department, developed it.

For questions about this information, contact Beth E. Ratway (608) 266-2207

Last updated on 2/25/2008 1:42:50 PM