GeoCivics
Federalism and the Levels of Government
Author: Edgar Ochoa, Arizona
Grade 8
Students will learn about the basic functions that state and local governments provide for their people.
They will understand the idea of “concurrent powers” (powers shared by multiple levels of government at
the same time). They will then examine conflicts that can arise between these different levels of
government. Finally, they will act as the governor(s) of a state that must broker a deal between a federal
law and a geographically-vital industry to the people of their state. They will conclude by creating a
billboard that will act to inform others of the differences between the different levels of government.
Supreme Court Challenge Game
Author: Edgar Ochoa, Arizona
Grade 8
Students will assume the role of the Supreme Court in a simulation. 9 justices (different students each time) will listen to arguments from both sides and ultimately make a decision that will have an effect on the entire nation. Students will also gain a deeper understanding of the difficult and important job that the Supreme Court has in shaping what the Bill of Rights looks like in actual real-world applications.
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Student materials:
Changing the Voting Age (Civic Action)
Author: Edgar Ochoa, Arizona
Grade 8
Students will review previous suffrage efforts that they have previously learned about in 7th grade. They will investigate other suffrage efforts and their lasting effects throughout American history. They will also investigate modern ways to affect change in our society–even if they do not have the power to vote yet.
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Presentation - Voting rights
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Student materials: