Content Area: Social Studies

 

Index: 6.2C Grade 4 CPI 4

 

Standard: 6.2 - Civics

 

Strand: C - The Constitution and American Democracy

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator: 4 -  The student will delineate the respective roles of the three branches of the federal and state governments.

 

Grade: 4

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        James Madison Middle School has been experiencing a problem common to many schools today. Its students favor the use of backpacks in order to carry their books and supplies. However, these backpacks have created somewhat of a difficult situation. Students and staff have been hit, mostly by accident, with bulging backpacks. The backpacks can clog the aisles, thereby creating another safety hazard. As a result, the Board of Education created a regulation that barred bringing backpacks to school. Punishments attached to the order ranged from a warning (first offense), to a detention (second offense), to a suspension (third offense). \

 

      One of the backpackers, Jim T., disagrees with this regulation. He needs his backpack in order to carry the many tools he needs to maintain his position as an honor student. He notes that he has never hurt, nor hit, anybody in school with the backpack. He and his parents are of the opinion that the Board of Education has overreacted to the situation. Contesting the regulation, he continues to bring the backpack to school. The first time resulted in a warning, after a teacher turned him in to the school’s principal. Believing in his cause, Jim continues to carry the backpack, and receives a detention, followed by a suspension. The parents appealed the principal’s actions to the district superintendent. Upon review of the facts, the superintendent upheld the principal’s action. Upon consultation with an attorney, Jim’s family filed a lawsuit.

The following questions pertain to the vignette. After examining the powers of each of the three branches of government, who maintains a similar power within the school environment? In what ways are these similar to, or different from, the government’s power? What powers and limits are maintained by each of the characters in the scenario? Does each player in this little drama have rights and responsibilities? What about the student’s responsibility for safety in the school? What about defiance of school authorities who are charged with responsibility for that safety? Why is it necessary, in a democracy, that power over others is both divided and limited? On the other hand, what danger might there be in imposing too many limits? What protections does Jim have in his dilemma? Students debate the school rule and its application. They comment on the decision-making process and its appropriateness.