January 7 -Objective: Each student will analyze the purpose and function of the U.S. federal system of government, identifying the roles and responsibilities

January 7-Objective: Each student will analyze the purpose and function of the U.S. federal system of government, identifying the roles and responsibilities of national, state, and local governments.

-Read Article: “My American Dream”1) Read the article.2) Underline at least 5 words you do not know3) Define all 5 words on the margins.4) Write 3 questions you have from reading in margins.5) Summarize the article in 3 sentences or less (at the end.)6) Justify how the article is biased (conservative, liberal, moderate) by

using at least 2 pieces of evidence from the article. (at the end)7) Find more information about the author by Google search

*Write your short summary by the author’s name.

-Homework: 1) Finish all parts of article summary

January 7-Objective: Each student will analyze the purpose and function of the U.S. federal system of government, identifying the roles and responsibilities of national, state, and local governments.

-Read Article: “My American Dream”1) Read the article.2) Underline at least 5 words you do not know3) Define all 5 words on the margins.4) Write 3 questions you have from reading in margins.5) Summarize the article in 3 sentences or less (at the end.)6) Justify how the article is biased (conservative, liberal, moderate) by

using at least 2 pieces of evidence from the article. (at the end)7) Find more information about the author by Google search

*Write your short summary by the author’s name.

-Homework: 1) Finish all parts of article summary

January 8Objective: Each student will originate ideas on producing a project or achieving a goal through “20% Time.”

-20% Time1) Jaime Horter presentation w/ Mr. Lahm

*Project H2) Begin choosing project

-Homework: 1) 20% Time Project

January 9Objective: Each student will analyze how historical events and people helped shaped the government in the United States today.

-Pass back Chapter 4 reviews and review Chapter 4 material so far*Be sure that all documents from Tuesday are turned in.

-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 4:3 - Federalism1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 4:3

*Discuss – Chapter 4 Quiz TUESDAY

-Notebook #12

-Homework: 1) Notebook #12 – TUESDAY 2) Quiz – Tuesday – Ch. 4:3

January 10 – Current Events Day-Objective: Each student will understand the events taking place at the national level of the United States government

-20% Time – Brainstorm1) Form groups2) Brainstorm ideas and several possibilities for group

project ideas.3) Work 1-on-1 w/ students and groups to determine ideas for them to get started

-Work on Notebook #12

-Homework: 1) NONE

January 13-Objective: Each student will prepare a skit that will help them pitch their “20% Time” idea to the correct people.

-Skits and sketches1) Share a skit between Ms. Horter & Mr. Lahm2) Discuss sketches 3) Present questions4) Have students prepare skits

a. Should include all of your ideas & some questionsb. Rest of class will serve as devil’s advocate

**STUDENTS CHOOSE DATES FOR “CURRENT EVENTS PROJECT” -Homework: 1) Chapter 4 Test - TOMORROW

Questions to Ask Self1. If someone approached you with your idea, what

would you need to know from them before you could make it happen?

2. What are the obstacles to your project? What questions do you have about road blocks to getting your project done?

3. What do you have to understand about the area you want to work in before you get to work? (Such as, how is the park mainteined? Who maintains it?)


-Be sure to share Notebook #12 w/ me.

-Test – Chapter 4 – Federalism

-Homework: 1) NONE


-20% Time1) Share role plays of ideas in class2) Discussion Board – Week #19 (Part 1)

-Homework: 1) 20% Time Project 2) Discussion Board – Week #19


-Pass back Chapter 4 reviews and review Chapter 4 material so far*Be sure that all documents from Tuesday are turned in.

-Guest Speaker – Ron Daberkow (city maintenance)

-20% Time Timeline1) Discuss & Begin work

-Homework: 1) NONE


-Current Event Presentations


-Begin work on 20% Time Timeline

-Homework: 1) Notebook #13 - Tuesday

January 20-Objective: Each student will construct a timeline that has very specific and achievable deadlines and dates.

-Share “BRAN” example – Google Documents1) Students will critique the steps 2) Discuss the specifics needed

-Student Timelines1) Share Template – Google Documents2) Students should work on completing 20% Timeline

-Homework: 1) 20% Timeline

January 21-Objective: Each student will construct a timeline that has very specific and achievable deadlines and dates.

-Student Timelines1) Students should work on completing 20%

Timeline2) Have groups share & critique each other

a. Write questions or comments on the Google Documentb. Repeat steps w/ 2 groups

3) Each group should make necessary changes to timeline.

-Homework: 1) 20% Timeline


-20% Time1) Review timeline2) Begin preparing “Pitch”

-Homework: 1) 20% Time Project – “Pitch”


-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 5:1-5:2 – Civic Participation1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 5:1-5:2

*Discuss – Chapter 5:1-2 Quiz TUESDAY

-Notebook #13

-Homework: 1) Notebook #13 – TUESDAY 2) Quiz – Tuesday – Ch. 5:1-5:2

January 24-Objective: Each student will originate ideas on producing a project or achieving a goal through “20% Time.” – (Mr. Lahm at meeting)

-Work on “20% Time” Pitch


-Homework: 1) Notebook #13 – Tuesday2) Quiz – 5:1-5:2 - Tuesday




-Homework: 1) Notebook #13 – Tuesday2) Quiz – 5:1-5:2 - Tuesday


-Need these 2 items shared1) Group Timeline – 20% Time2) Notebook #13

-Quiz – Chapter 5:1 & 5:2 – on Angel

-Work on “20% Time” Pitch - TOMORROW

-Homework: 1) NONE


-20% Time1) “Pitch” – Community Projects2) Begin making adjustments

*prepare for city council presentations

-Homework: 1) NONE

January 30Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of civic participation in government.

-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 9:1-9:2 – Civic Participation1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 9:1-9:2

*Discuss – Chapter 9:1-2 Quiz TUESDAY

-Notebook #15

-Homework: 1) Notebook #15 – TUESDAY 2) Quiz – Tuesday – Ch. 9:1-9:2-9:3



-Finish Notes 9:3 – Quiz Tuesday*Work on study guide


-Homework: 1) Notebook #15 – Tuesday2) Quiz – 9:1-9:2-9:3 - Tuesday

February 3-Objective: Each student will prepare a presentation to give to the city council based on great visions for our communities of Lyons and Decatur.

-Work on presentations*Prepare to be SPECIFIC when answering questions from the council.

-Discuss fundraising

-Homework: 1) Notebook #14 – Tuesday 2) Quiz – 9:1, 9:2, 9:3 - Tuesday

February 4 Objective: Each student will analyze how historical events and people helped shaped the government in the United States today.

-Need these 2 items shared1) Notebook #142) Study Guide

-Work on “20% Time” Pitch – THIS EVENING

-Homework: 1) Chapter 9:1, 9:2, 9:3 Quiz - Thursday

February 5Objective: Each student will originate ideas on producing a project or achieving a goal through “20% Time.”

-20% Time1) Reflection – city council presentations2) Timeline

-Homework: 1) Chapter 9:1, 9:2, 9:3 quiz TOMORROW

February 6Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of civic participation in government.

-Quiz (on Angel) – Chapter 9:1, 9:2, 9:3

-Review for Chapter 5 & 9 Test – TUESDAY

-Discussion Board

-Homework: 1) TEST – Chapter 5 & 9 - TUESDAY

February 7 – Current Events Day-Objective: Each student will understand the events taking place at the national level of the United States government


-Review for Test - TUESDAY

-Homework: 1) TEST – Chapter 5 & 9 - TUESDAY


-Presentations (not completed Friday)

-20% Time Lesson - Fundraising

-Review for Chapter 5 & 9 Test – TOMORROW*Be sure to READ each chapter & STUDY

-Homework: 1) Ch. 5 & 9 Test - TOMORROW

February 11 Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of political parties and interest groups on a formative assessment.

-Collect Ch. 5 & 9 Study Guides

-Test – Chapter 5 & 9 – on Angel

-Homework: 1) Anything you need for 20% Time TOMORROW


-20% Time1) Pass out “Week Cards” – This is how you will be graded weekly.

*Must complete tasks & must match w/ timeline2) Get to work.

-Homework: 1) Discussion Board

February 13Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of mass media and public opinion.

-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 8 – Mass Media & Public Opinion1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 8


-Notebook #16

-Homework: 1) Notebook #16 – TUESDAY 2) Quiz – Tuesday – Ch. 8


-20% Time Lesson – Fundraising Letter*Review & Discuss

-Understanding Persuasive Techniques1) Chapter 8 Notes – Persuasive Techniques2) Recognizing Persuasive Techniques

*Placards 9A-9F3) Quiz – Angel – Common Persuasive Techniques

-Homework: 1) Ch. 8 Quiz - TOMORROW


-Quiz – Chapter 8– on Angel*-Collect Ch. 8 Study Guides

-Discussion Board – Goals for 20% Time TOMORROW

-Homework: 1) Discussion Board2) Anything you need for 20% Time TOMORROW






-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 7 – The Electoral Process1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 7


-Notebook #16




-Review for Chapter 7 Quiz – TUESDAY

-Notebook #16

-Homework: 1) Quiz – Chapter 7- TUESDAY


-Discuss where we are on 20% Time

-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 7 – Elections*Have study guide out*Review & Discuss




-Discussion Board – Current Events Happenings







-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 10 – Congress1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 10


-Notebook #17




-Review for Chapter 10 Quiz – TUESDAY

-Notebook #17 w/ study guides

-Homework: 1) Quiz – Chapter 10 - TUESDAY

March 3-Objective: Each student will prepare a presentation to give to the city council based on great visions for our communities of Lyons and Decatur.


-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 10 – Congress*Have study guide out*Review & Discuss


March 4Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of political parties and interest groups on a formative assessment.




March 5Objective: Each student will originate ideas on producing a project or achieving a goal through “20% Time.”




March 6Objective: Each student will analyze the importance of mass media and public opinion.

-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 10:3 & 10:4 – Congress1) Lecture & Notes – Ch. 10:3 & 10:4

*Discuss – Chapter 10 Quiz MONDAY

-Notebook #18 & Ch. 10:3-10:4 study guide

-Homework: 1) Notebook #18 – TUESDAY 2) Quiz – Monday – Ch. 10:3 & 10:4 3) TEST – TUESDAY – Ch. 10

March 7 – Current Events Day-Objective: Each student will understand the events taking place at the national level of the United States government

-Assign 4th Quarter Current Event Presentations

-Lecture – Ch. 10:3-10:41) Review for Chapter 10:3 & 10:4 Quiz – MONDAY2) Notebook #18 w/ study guides - MONDAY

-Homework: 1) Quiz – Chapter 10 – MONDAY 2) Test – Chapter 10 - TUESDAY


-Quiz – Chapter 10:3 & 10:4 – on Angel*-Collect Ch. 10 Study Guides (get back as soon as graded)

-Review for Chapter 10 Test

-Homework: 1) Test TOMORROW – Chapter 10


-Test – Chapter 10 – on Angel*-Collect Ch. 10 Study Guides (BEFORE TEST)








-Study Guides – Chapter 11

-Notebook #19

-Homework: 1) Notebook #19 – TUESDAY 2) Quiz – Tuesday – Chapter 11

March 17-Objective: Each student will analyze and assess the powers of Congress via lecture, notes, and their study guide.


-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 11 – Powers of Congress*Have study guide out*Review & Discuss


March 18Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of the powers of Congress on an assessment on Angel.





-20% Time1) Pass out “Week Cards” – This is how you will be graded weekly. 2) Discuss Timeline – keep that going



-Presidential March Madness*Prepare and Assign Presidents for the Bracket

-Presidential Game Planning

-Homework: 1) Present beginning on Monday


-Current Events Presentations #1

-Work on Presentations for Presidential March Madness

-Homework: 1) Presidential March Madness presentations

March 24-Objective: Each student will create a presentation about their assigned President to more completely recognize the major Presidents and their contribution to American history and government.

-Discuss rubric for Presidential March Madness*On Google Documents

-Students will COMPLETE presentations before they leave1) Share with me on Google Docs2) IF FINISHED EARLY – work on timeline for 20% Time

-Homework: 1) Begin “Presidential March Madness” TOMORROW

March 25-Objective: Each student will analyze and compare major Presidents and decide which one was more influential in American history and government

-Discuss how students will analyze Presidents and complete bracket1) Students must:

a. Include at least 2 specific details on bottom of bracket as to why they chose one President as being more influential over anotherb. Prepare for quiz over the ORDER of Presidents

2) Use Clickers to determine winner of the bracket*”A” is for the TOP person of the bracket*”B” is for the BOTTOM person of the bracket

-Homework: 1) 20% Time - TOMORROW




March 27-Objective: Each student will analyze and compare major Presidents and decide which one was more influential in American history and government

-Discuss how students will analyze Presidents and complete bracket

1) Students must:a. Include at least 2 specific details on bottom of bracket as to why they chose one President as being more influential over anotherb. Prepare for quiz over the ORDER of Presidents

-Homework: 1) 20% Time - TOMORROW



-Homework: 1) Pres. March Madness presentations 2) President’s Quiz - TUESDAY

March 31-Objective: Each student will analyze and assess the powers of Congress via lecture, notes, and their study guide.

-Discuss where we are on 20% Time AND Field Trip Wednesday

-Lecture & Notes – Ch. 12 – Congress in Action*Have study guide out*Review & Discuss

-Presidential March Madness – See Google Docs*Use clickers to vote for President

-Homework: 1) Ch. 12:1 & 12:2 Quiz – TOMORROW2) Notebook #20 - TOMORROW

April 1Objective: Each student will compare the similarities and differences of the powers of Congress on an assessment on Angel.

-Quiz – Chapter 12:1 & 12:2 – on Angel*-Collect Ch. 12:1 & 12:2 Study Guides

-Pass out: (DUE NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 8)1) Study Guide – Chapter 12:3 & 12:42) Notebook #21 – Congress in Action

-Finish Presidential March Madness

-Homework: 1) FIELD TRIP TO LINCOLN TOMORROW

April 2Objective: Each student will visit the state capitol in Lincoln NE to see government in action

-Trip to Lincoln – state capitol

-Homework: 1) NONE

April 3Objective: Each student will originate ideas on producing a project or achieving a goal through “20% Time.”



April 4 – Current Events Day-Objective: Each student will understand the events taking place at the national level of the United States government


-Work on Study Guides & Notebook #21

-Homework: 1) Study Guides & Notebook #21

-Objective: To take a look at the past and present Presidents of the United States.

-President’s Quiz – Place the 42 President’s of the U.S.A. in order.

-Work on Discussion Board #28 – Ideal President – on Angel*Compare your 2 favorite presidents

-Notebook #28 – Legislative Branch*Work on it.

-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #28 – President 2012 2) Notebook #28 – Legislative Branch

April 4

-Objective: To take a look at the past and present Presidents of the United States.

-President’s Quiz – Place the 42 President’s of the U.S.A. in order.

-Work on Discussion Board #28 – Ideal President – on Angel*Compare your 2 favorite presidents

-Notebook #28 – Legislative Branch*Work on it.

-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #28 – President 2012 2) Notebook #28 – Legislative Branch

April 5

-Objective: Each student will become staff members for a newly elected member of Congress and participate in an orientation for new congressional staff to learn important aspects of being an effective legislator.

-New Staff Orientation – Preparing a member of Congress – next slide

1) Give a quick and brief lecture on key info – Next 3 slides2) CD Track 11 – Explaining the process3) Handout 11 – New Congressional Staff Orientation – tape in notebook4) Each group should follow steps to complete notebook.

-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #29

April 8



1) Give a quick and brief lecture on key info – Next 3 slides2) CD Track 11 – Explaining the process3) Handout 11 – New Congressional Staff Orientation – tape in notebook4) Each group should follow steps to complete notebook.

*Groups of 2 and 3

-Homework: 1) NONE

April 10

You and your partner are the staff members for a newly elected member of Congress. You will now analyze information from eight orientation packets to learn about different aspects of being an effective legislator. When you receive a packet, place the placard and the handout with the placard questions FACE UP on the desk. Place the handout with the excerpt from Freshman Orientation by Edward Sidlow FACE DOWN. Then follow these steps:

Step 1 – Carefully analyze the information on the placard(s).Step 2 – Discuss each of the placard questionsStep 3 – Turn the other handout face up, and carefully read the excerpt from FRESHMAN ORIENTATION.Step 4 – Discuss each of the reading questions.Step 5 – Find the corresponding section of the Notes Handout. Record AT LEAST 3 things you learned that will help your new member of Congress be an effective legislator.Step 6 – Organize the packet materials and exchange them for a new one.

NOTES

1. U.S. Capital BuildingA. House on left and Senate on Right with key officesB. Offices include Office of Speaker of House, minority whip

*In central portion = office of minority leaders of both houses

*On right = office of Senate majority leader, Vice Pres.C. U.S. Capital & 8 buildings surrounding it.D. House offices closer to House side & vice versa

2. Congressional StaffA. Each member of Congress has several offices

ex. – Jeff Fortenberry in Fremont, Norfolk, LincolnB. Many people working for congressman

3. CommitteesA. Each member of Congress serves on at least one

committee. B. They usually serve on one that makes sense based on

geography.Ex. – Congressman from Nebraska - Agriculture

Committes in Congress

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/committees/

Bills in Congress in 110th Congress

During the 110th Congress, 11,059 bills were introduced. 7,335 were house bills and 3,724 were Senate bills. Out of the 11,000+ bills, only 442 (4%) became law. Most of these bills died as soon as they were referred to the committees in the chamber the bill was introduced in.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/committees/

NOTES

4. Caucuses a. bipartisan & center on specific public policy areasb. These allow House members to join to keep tabs on

particular issues they care about. C. Different from nominating caucuses in a way

5. Legislationa. Thousands of bills are introduced every yearb. Few actually pass

ex. – 2005 – 6,924 bills introduced & only 169 signed to law6. Constituent Casework

a. Like Lydia Brasch, it is essential for Congress people to research what their constituents want.

Ex. – Lydia Brasch is only going to answer emails from her district now because too many emails.

NOTES

7. Protecting your Constituents and Districta. It is important that legislator and district have similar views

ex. – Ben Nelson signing off on “Obamacare” – now not a chance of reelection.

8. Reelectiona. Incumbents are those already in officeb. it is a huge advantage to already be in office – difficult to

defeat.Ex. – Pres. Obama



1) Each group should follow steps to complete notebook.

*Pass out Notebook #29

-Homework: 1) Notebook #29 - TUESDAY

April 11


-Pass back papers

-Student Presenters – self evaluations

-Work on Notebook #29 or Discussion Board #29

-Homework: 1) Notebook #29 2) Discussion Board #29

-Objective: Each student will take on a role of a member the U.S. House of Representatives as they are sworn into Congress.

-Choosing Sides – Please wait to be seated.-Go over spoke diagram in notebook*7 Republicans *5 Democrats (extras = democrat)

-Video: The House of Representativeshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6LWHFVzjKY

-Choosing Scenarios & Leadership1) Each student should select a role card that they will fulfill2) Have each party select 3 leaders 3) Distribute “Party Caucus” notes to groups4) Recreate the “Swear in” Ceremony


April 15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6LWHFVzjKY


-Collect Notebook

-Prepare for Visit to Lincoln1) Review Medicaid bill2) Go over questions and bills of Lydia Brasch

-Homework: 1) WE LEAVE AT 7:15 TOMORROW

April 16


-Seniors in Lincoln


April 17

-Objective: Each student will create a mock House of Representatives to experience steps in the legislative process.

-Videos 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKvY0Q3tI6I&feature=relmfu 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxT7QjlvDqM

-Working in Committee Activity1)Discuss & Debate bills – background checks for guns2) Notes – Your task in the next 2 days – next slides3) Set up House committee meeting areas4) Follow steps on Information Master 12B5) Begin writing amendments to bills

-Discussion Board #32 – visit to state capitol -Homework: 1) Discussion Board #32

April 18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKvY0Q3tI6I&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxT7QjlvDqM

Steps for a getting a bill through Congress1. Bills are worked on in committee.

*There are 20 House Standing Committees*There are 16 Senate Standing Committees*There are 4 Joint Committees

2. Leadership in the House

Speaker of the House

-Majority Leader -Minority Leader*Duty is to manage legislation on the House floor

-Majority Whip -Minority Whip*Duty – to keep leadership informed and persuade party members to vote along party lines.

Key Info for Project

Steps for a getting a bill through Congress3. Committee Meeting Setup

a. Senior member of majority party in middleb. Senior member of minority party to right c. Other committee members sit according to seniority

4. Model of a billa. Each line of a bill is numbered – allows for Line Item Vetoes & easy removal or changing of particular parts of a bill without having to rewrite the entire bill.b. Thus, certain parts of a bill may be amended.

1. You will be discussing and amending a bill in a bit.2.You will also break up according to party to make

amendments3. Proposed amendments ---- committee chair


Steps for a getting a bill through Congress (continued)4. Model of a bill (continued)

c. Committee chair reads amendment proposal outloud.d. Main author has chance to explaine. vote is taken in committee to approve or reject proposalf. Continue this process for all amendments


-Objective: Each student will understand the steps involved in creating law

-Pass out Notebook #30 – Congressional Lawmaking*Discuss

-Discussion Board #32 -Homework: 1) Notebook #30 – by TUESDAY

April 19


-Presentations & Questioning

-Student Presenters – self evaluations

-Work on Notebook #30*Discuss

-Homework: 1) Notebook #30


-Discuss & Collect Notebooks

-Get back into Committee circles*Review Tuesday’s work

-Working in Committee Activity1) Begin writing amendments to bills–Follow Info Master 12B2) Mark up the bill – step 53) Report the proposed bill & vote on House floor – step 6


April 23


-Study Habits Survey

-Making Congressional Law – Phase 3 – Information Master 12C *Make copies of final amendments for ALL House members to

be able to read.1) Sit in appropriate seats2) Prepare for the floor debate3) Hold the floor debate4) Prepare for final House vote on the first bill5) Hold the final House vote


2) Notebook #30 - TUESDAY

April 24

-Objective: Each student will experience a Senate filibuster through the video Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

-Mr. Smith Goes to Washington -Homework: 1) Discussion Board #31

April 25

-Objective: Each student will experience a Senate filibuster through the video Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

-Mr. Smith Goes to Washington -Homework: 1) Discussion Board #31

April 26


-Current Event Presentations – Final Ones

-Watch end of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”

-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #32 – TOMORROW 2) Notebook #32 – TOMORROW

April 29


-Notebook #32 & Discussion Board #32 - HANDOUT*Discuss & Complete

-Homework: 1) Discussion Board #32 – THURSDAY

2) Notebook #32 – THURSDAY

April 30

May 1-Objective: Each student will take part in the presentation “Credit Card Blues”

-Credit Card Blues and College

-Homework: Notebook & Discussion Board

May 2-Objective: Each student will understand the events taking place at the national level of the United States government

-Go over Notebook & Discussion Board

-Finish “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”

-U.S. Citizenship Test *Grade in Class

-Collect Books

-Homework: NONE

-Objective: Each student will eat a cookie designed as a notebook to symbolize their undying love and gratitude for their notebook assignments.

-No more Notebooks and Current Events – Solemn Celebration

-Video Clip – “Hardball”

-Poem “Finish the Race”

-Homework: To live a live that “changes the world” for the better!

May 3