Use 3D Architecture to Teach the Branches of Governement

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This is a rather simple lesson but the fact that students will create some of the manipulatives to illustrate what they learned makes this an experience which improves their chances of retention. The main idea is to print the 3 models that represent the 3 branches of government and design different ways to demonstrate their different roles in our government. Print Settings Printer Brand: MakerBot Printer: MakerBot Replicator (5th Generation) Rafts: Yes Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.3mm Infill: 10% Overview and Background Students will learn what each of the 3 branches of government do. Audiences This is a middle school to high school lesson. Subjects Social Studies, Law, and History Skills Learned (Standards) Grade 4 Social Studies Common Core Curriculum. Lesson Plan and Activity Have students learn the different roles of our three branches of government. Once the do that discuss the roles that overlap. Ask them for ideas on how they can illustrate this using 3D design. I like the idea of making 3D printed tags with a short student written description of the different services that each of the three branches of government provide it citizens. Then they have to organize the tags by its corresponding 3D structure. that provides that service. You can make slots in the models or let the students decide how they want to do it. One student said we should organize the models in a model of the city of Washington DC and organize small signs around each structure. Picture frames with pictures of senators, judges and the president would be cool too. Skills Learned Common Core Duration of Lesson This lesson can be done in 2 class periods. One to discuss background and another to apply the knowledge. Preparation -Buy Filament -handout or mini lesson on the branches of government References Websites: https://kids.usa.gov/three-branches-of-government/index.shtml Lessons-http://government.mrdonn.org/3branches.html Handouts: This is a great worksheet that allows students to label the branches that overlap. Pinterest has great stuff as well. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/103723597639499576/ Project Use 3D Architecture to Teach the Branches of Governement Most students know who lives in the White House but they really don't know what the purpose is of the other buildings in DC. With theis lesson we can capture the interested of students with 3D printing while creating an experience that will teach them the three branches of government or at least that there are 3 branches of government.