LET'S LEARN ABOUT GOVERNMENT

Parents-
This week students in my Texas History course are learning about Texas and American Government.  The TEKS for this lesson require that a student be able to identify how the Texas Constitution supports principles such as checks and balances, federalism, limited government, etc.  The TEKS also require that a student be able to compare and contrast the principles and concepts of the Texas Bill of Rights and Constitution to the U.S. Bill of Rights and Constitution.   The links below that I have provided are different activities that your child can enjoy that align with the TEKS your child is covering this week. 

Kids-
Follow the links below to have an interesting learning experience.  Earn extra credit points in my class for playing these games.  Write a couple sentences over what the game was about and write the web address of the game.

 How a bill becomes a law in Texas: Simulation Game/Activity

This a simulation activity that teaches kids how bills in Texas become laws.  Follow the link above, click Let’s Go, click Lets Start the Simulation, click Let’s Write a Bill, and then Click Let’s Start the Simulation.  Read the information as you go, and choose the best choice.

Constitution Relay Game

Race the clock in the Constitution Relay Game that quizzes students on their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution.  Follow the link above and Draw a card, if an answer is unknown click on Buy Answer; if you know the answer type in the answer, and hit Answer.  Answer all thirty questions and beat the clock.  When the game is over, print the certificate, and bring it to me to receive the extra credit points for this particular game. 

The Bill of Rights Match Game

This game will teach and quiz students on their knowledge over the U.S. Bill of Rights.  This game has two levels of play: Elementary and Secondary.  I suggest starting out with the Elementary level and progress onto the Secondary level.  Choose the level you wish to play.  The instructions for the game pop-up, when you are ready to play click on the Close to Start Game on the top right-hand corner of the instructions.  The game will ask you situational questions and you have to click on the button Yes or No.  At the end of the game print your certificate to receive the extra-credit points for playing the Bill of Rights Match Game. 

Checks and Balances Game

This is an educational game that teaches and quizzes students over their knowledge of the Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branches of government.  Students can follow the link above, click on the big arrow, then click on the arrow that says Play, and drag and drop answer choices into the correct blanks.  Have fun and enjoy. 

Thank You,

Ms. Graham

Learning about the Texas Revolution

Dear Parents and Students,

Students in my 7^th grade History class are beginning to learn about the Texas Revolution.  The TEKS require that students in the 7^th grade be able to understand how significant events of the Texas Revolution shaped the history of Texas.  I have provided some links to some different activities over the Texas Revolution that your child can enjoy while learning about the Texas Revolution. 

Tank Attack

Tank Attack is a game that is won by answering questions about the Texas Revolution.  To play the game click on the link above and select whether you want to play a one player or two player game.  Questions will be asked about the Texas Revolution and you must type in the answer in the “answer” space provided.  This game is very helpful for learning some of the key events of the American Revolution and aligns with the TEKS your student will be learning for the next couple of weeks. 

Alamo Word Search

If your child enjoys working on word searches this Alamo word search is a fun way for your child to get familiar with words and names that are included in some of the lessons your child will cover as they learn about key events of the Texas Revolution.  To go to the word search click on the link above, when the new page opens, scroll down, and wait for Java to load.  Once Java has loaded the word search will appear.  Hold down the left mouse button to highlight a word.  Kids can play this word search several times because they can hit new game and it scrambles the words.

The Road to Independence Video

This is a link to a video that I have provided because it is a brief; informative video for kids and because it outlines key events and situations that lead up to Texas’s Independence.  For a brief video, students can learn some important facts surrounding the Texas Revolution- leading up to Texas’s Independence.   Take a look!  Follow the link above and click on “Start Movie.”

Classroom Jeopardy Game- The Alamo

Alamo Jeopardy is a fun interactive game that your child and you or even the whole family can play to learn about significant dates, events, and individuals in the Battle of the Alamo.   To play this Jeopardy game click on the link above, select the number of players (up to 5) and select the timer and final jeopardy options, and click on “Go Play.”  Then select a category click on number of choice.  Whose ever turn it is guesses the answer to the question, then clicks answer, then click on “adjust scores.”  Select rather or not player 1, 2, etc. guessed the correct answer or guessed the wrong answer, then click on “Home” and answer the next question following the same process.  This jeopardy aligns with the TEKS that your will be learning about.  This jeopardy game is realistic and fun game that your child will enjoy engaging in.   

Battle of San Jacinto Jeopardy Game

This is another fun Jeopardy game that covers important information over the Battle of San Jacinto.  This Jeopardy game is somewhat advanced and I recommend introducing this game after students are somewhat familiar with some of the information of this particular battle.  Since this game is somewhat advanced, I will give a free homework pass to any student who brings in their score, with the games website address, and a parents signature.  To play the game click on the above link, select the number of players, and click start.  Next, click on points, answer the question, select plus or minus at the bottom of the page for if you missed or answered the question correctly, then click continue, and start the process over again until the points run out.  Have fun and remember that this game is a challenge!

Thank You,

Ms. Graham