Students first use the internet to locate the names of their state senator and representative. The next three scenes present the three branches of state government, and the small groups create charts of each branch. Finally each small group creates a poster about one of the three branches.
Students read an introduction explaining that the Texas Constitution divides state government into three branches with a system of checks and balances. They view the Texas State Seal and use the online tool Who Represents Me to find the names of their state senator and state representative, then post those names.
Teacher MovesPreview the experience, highlight key vocabulary (veto, district, committee, chamber, override, appoint, violation), and review the lesson objective. Guide students in using the district maps to locate their town and identify their legislative districts, then organize students into small groups for the upcoming scenes.
Students read about the structure and functions of the Texas legislative branch, including the bicameral system, membership, terms, leadership roles, committees, legislative sessions, and how a bill becomes a law. In small groups, they complete a two-column chart graphic organizer listing at least three key facts about the Texas State Senate and three key facts about the Texas House of Representatives.
Teacher MovesClarify the similarities and differences between the Senate and the House, including terms, membership, and leadership roles. Encourage groups to add additional accurate facts to their charts and then summarize the overall structure and lawmaking process of the Texas legislature for the class before moving on.
Students read about the executive branch, focusing on the governor’s role, powers, term of office, and responsibilities, as well as the presence of other statewide elected officials. They view images of the Governor’s Mansion and the current governor, then work in small groups to create a concept map summarizing key facts about the Texas executive branch. Individually, they answer a question identifying the current governor of Texas.
Teacher MovesHighlight the main responsibilities and powers of the executive branch and the governor, including military leadership, calling special sessions, signing or vetoing bills, and making appointments. Use student concept maps to reinforce these key ideas, and ensure all students can correctly identify the current governor before proceeding.
Students read about the structure of the Texas judicial branch, including the three levels of trial courts, the types of cases they hear, and the two levels of appellate courts that can overturn lower-court decisions. In small groups, they complete a vocabulary chart by defining key terms from the passage (such as verdict, criminal case, felony, civil case, misdemeanor, and appeals), using a dictionary if needed.
Teacher MovesClarify the roles of the different trial and appellate courts and how cases move through the judicial system. Review the vocabulary chart with the class, checking for accurate, student-friendly definitions and correcting misconceptions about legal terms and court functions.
In small groups, students create a poster about one assigned branch of Texas state government, using prior scenes and additional research as needed. They either upload a photo of a paper poster or share a link to a digital version. After posting, students review classmates’ posters and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesAssign each group one of the three branches and clarify expectations for content and presentation. Support groups as they research and design their posters, prompting them to include structure, key roles, and main functions. After posting, guide students in giving constructive feedback and use the posters to reinforce comparisons among the three branches.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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