Middle School U.S. Civics and Government

Service Description

Fall 2024 Sept.17th, 24th Oct. 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th Nov. 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th Dec.3rd, 10th (13 days) Fee: $455+$35 martial fee (Sibling 1 $405 +$35 material fee, Sibling 2 $350+$35 material fee) Winter 2025 Jan. 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, Feb. 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th March 4th, 11th (10days) Fee: $350 + $35 material fee per term (Sibling 1 $300+$35 material fee, Sibling 2 $250+$35 material fee) Spring 2025 March 18, 25th April 1st, 8th, 22nd, 29th, May 6, 13th, 20th, 27th (10 days) No Class Tuesday April 15th Passover/ Spring Break Fee: $350 + $35 material fee per term (Sibling 1 $300+$35 material fee, Sibling 2 $250+$35 material fee) Class Description: This class will guide students through an exploration of our constitutional federal republic and reflect upon what it means to be a good citizen. Using resources such as the textbook We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution (Level 2: Middle School) from the Center for Civic Education, students will examine the philosophical foundation of our democracy and the structure of our government. Through the study of our constitution and its amendments, students will also learn the rights and responsibilities of our citizens. The class format will be interactive with discussions fostering critical thinking and cooperative learning. For example, while studying the judicial branch of government, students will present the opposing arguments of each side of a Supreme Court Case. While reenacting how a bill becomes a law, students will debate both sides of the bill. Using a traditional debate format, students may adopt an active role or may opt to act as the debate moderator. The class will also discuss an instance when the President vetoed a legislation. The class will culminate with exercises to better understand our role in local government, and students will choose a local issue to advocate. Throughout the course, readings and research will be assigned in order to prepare for the in-class discussions. If students opt to submit research papers they will be reviewed. Most importantly, we will aim to have fun and learn respectfully.