Engage

Overview

In this experience, students name the four Texans who have served as U.S. president. Then they learn about three civic organizations and people who have been active in them. Next they learn about three Texans who participated in politics. Finally they identify current officials and how to contact them.

If you have access to leveled readers that include biographies of any major Texas civic or political leaders, assign them to the students in parallel to this experience.

Estimated duration: 50-60 minutes, unless you want to include having students actually contact one of the officials

Discovery Reading

A printable Discovery Reading is included in the student pack as a support for understanding the experience’s core content and concepts. This Discovery Reading is not necessary to complete the experience and serves as an optional support resource.

Vocabulary Words:

These vocabulary words are used in the experience or connect closely to the standards and content students examine. Students should understand these terms as they work through the experience.

civic affairs: activities that help make a difference in a community; they can be volunteer work or paid work and can focus on political or non-political issues.
active citizen: a person who takes part in helping the community and democracy, such as volunteering, staying informed, or contacting public officials.
democratic process: the way people take part in government by having a voice, such as voting, choosing leaders, and participating in public life.
preserve: to protect and keep something important, especially historic places, records, or memories, so people in the future can learn from them.
public official: a government leader or worker, such as a mayor, governor, senator, or representative, who serves the people.
volunteer: a person who chooses to give time and effort to help others or a cause without being paid.

Objectives

Identify Texans who have made civic and political contributions.
Explain how to contact public officials.

Think back to what you learned during Celebrate Freedom week. The United States is a representative democracy. The U.S. Constitution begins with the words, “We the People.” President Abraham Lincoln described the government as one “of the people, by the people, for the people.” In this lesson, you will learn about some of the ways that citizens —the people— can contribute to democracy.

Objectives

Identify Texans who have made civic and political contributions.
Explain how to contact public officials.

These two dogs, named Him and Her, belonged to a U.S. President from Texas.
The photograph was taken at the White House.

There are four U.S. presidents who were either born in Texas or made Texas their homes as adults. How many of them can you name?

Identify these four presidents for students:

34th president: Dwight Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas, although he was raised in Kansas and later served in the military in many places.
36th president: Lyndon B. Johnson was born near Stonewall, Texas. After his presidency, he returned to his Texas ranch. He also represented Texas as a U.S. senator.
41st president: George H.W. Bush moved to West Texas after graduating from Yale and later began his political career in Texas.
43rd president: George W. Bush grew up in Texas and served as governor of Texas. He and Laura Bush reside in Dallas and Crawford, Texas.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

The Role of Active Citizens