US+History+and+Civics

=US History and Civics=

Prezi! Click the arrow to advance the presentation at each step.
media type="custom" key="9382092"

Click play to hear the Declaration of Independence Rap media type="file" key="Declaration of Independence (Downtempo).mp3" width="240" height="20"

[from http://www.govspot.com/features/kids.htm]

Looking for facts and figures to teach your kids - or yourself - about U.S. government? The following resources were created for children, but offer information for citizens of all ages.

The Three Branches

To learn about the system of checks and balances, start with the three branches of government. The President, part of the executive branch, offers history and fun trivia at the White House for Kids.

The Senate and House of Representatives make up the legislative branch. Each offers general information and a glossary of terms for young visitors.

The Federal Judiciary Homepage offers insight into the U.S. court system, our judicial branch of government.

Many agencies offer special sections for young citizens. Here are a few of our favorites:

> > > > > > >
 * At Ben's Guide to U.S. Government, students can learn about American history, how laws are made, and more
 * The Food and Drug Administration teaches children about animals, food safety, medical devices, tobacco and vaccines through interactive lessons and games.
 * The Federal Emergency Management Agency teaches kids about what causes natural disasters and offers stories, games and homework help.
 * The Department of Treasury includes a wealth of money-related info -- such as a savings bond calculator, information on how money is made and the truth behind income tax. The U.S. Mint offers information and games about coins.
 * At the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration page, discover information about weather, climate change, earth science, oceanography and space.
 * The Central Intelligence Agency offers news, games, and tips on crime detection and prevention. The Federal Bureau of Investigation offers similar information in two formats: FBI Kids (kindergarten-5th grade) and FBI Youth (6th-12th grades).
 * NASA will give students a crash course in our solar system, black holes, comets and more.
 * Learn how to protect the environment with EPA's Explorers' Club. This site explains recycling and offers games and art projects.
 * If you need a historic document for a school assignment, head to Basic Readings in U.S. Democracy, You'll find important documents, including the Declaration of Independence and many Supreme Court decisions.

For a complete list of government sites for kids arranged by topic, see FirstGov for Kids. The Ingram Library offers a list of sites organized by agency.

Excellent Interactive Timeline
You can click on pictures and dates to see video clips and extra information. Really great resource! Hold your cursor over the arrows to move left and right. @http://www.constitutioncenter.org/timeline/flash/cw.html



**James Madison, Father of the Constitution and Bill of Rights**
media type="custom" key="9215196"

media type="custom" key="9075126"
 * This first video was made by some elementary kids as part of a project. It gives a pretty good (and sometimes funny) overview of the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, and US Constitution.**

This TV cartoon is an easy way to learn a lot about the American Revolution period. Search youtube.com to find lots more. media type="youtube" key="DjeQOKF-3Eg" height="390" width="480"
 * Liberty's Kids #03 "United We Stand"**


 * Liberty's Kids #19** - This one starts in the middle of the fighting of the Revolutionary War, when the Americans were losing. Ben Franklin goes to France to get their help. The French eventually joined on the side of the Americans, and many believe this is what made American victory possible. To see more of these videos, in order, you can search YouTube with an episode number. There are lots of them.

media type="youtube" key="2K6bdYVvAe0" height="390" width="480"


 * 3 Branches of Government for Kids - this is essential information that will be all over the Trimester 3 Exam**

media type="youtube" key="Q5EASiHAKpY" height="390" width="480"

media type="youtube" key="Wjfrexe61XI" height="390" width="640"
 * The American Revolution in Pictures**- overview using mostly images and primary sources. Pause it once a minute to record your thinking in your packet.
 * More advanced -** Detailed overview with text on important information for the causes, events, and effect of the American Revolution.

media type="youtube" key="MsRawqxEKhg" height="390" width="480"

media type="youtube" key="ggXSO0ETvq4" height="390" width="480"
 * Most advanced - High School/College Level Seminar on the US Constitution** (very informative)

@http://www.icivics.org/ GREAT games and simulations on American government!

Ben's Guide to U.S. Government
@http://bensguide.gpo.gov/ Lots of great information at different levels - VERY valuable to use while studying



Mr. Donn's American Government Page
@http://government.mrdonn.org/index.html Great as all Mr. Donn's pages are, also useful for exam studying.



Spy Letters of the American Revolution
@http://www2.si.umich.edu/spies/ It's cool.

Make Your Case
@http://www.makeyourcasegame.com/ This is a unique, longer simulation that has you acting as a lawyer going through a trial. Very interesting but a bit advanced.