Virtual Field Trip - Washington, D.C

0: 2. Washington, D.C. - The US Capital

 

Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States.

 

1. Where is Washington, D.C. located?

 

Watch this video clip about the location of Washington, D.C.

 

2. The United States Government is located in Washington, D.C. and it is made up of 3 separate branches.

 

 

Visit this website to learn about "the branches of government".

1: 3. Executive Branch - The White House

The Executive Branch is the branch of government where the President works.

• The executive branch makes sure people follow the laws that the legislative branch makes.
• The leaders of this branch are the President and Vice-President.
• When making important decisions, the President often asks for advice from the Cabinet.
• The President lives at the White House in Washington, D.C.

1. The Executive Branch is symbolized by the White House.

Learn about The White House here.

2. Watch this video about The White House and Executive Branch.

3. Read this information about The Executive Branch

2: 4. Legislative Branch - Capitol Building

1. The Legislative Branch is symbolized by The Capitol Building.

• The legislative branch makes laws for the nation.
• The main lawmaking body of this branch is known as Congress.
• Congress is made up of two parts, the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Learn more about the job of the Legislative Branch here.

 

3. The Legislative Branch is made of "congress". Congress has two parts.

 

Learn about The Senate and The House of Representatives here.

 

4. Watch this video segment about the Legislative Branch.

3: 5. Congress - The US Senate

1. The Senate is one part of the Legislative Branch.

 

2. Read about The United States Senate here.

4: 6. Congress - House of Representatives

1. The House of Representatives is another part of the Legislative Branch.

 

2. Read about The House of Representatives here.

5: 7. Judicial Branch - Supreme Court Building

 

1. The Judicial Branch is symbolized by the Supreme Court Building.

 

Learn about the building here.

 

2. The Judicial Branch has many very important jobs.

• When people are unsure about the meaning of a law, the judicial
• branch listens to many opinions and makes a decision.
• The judicial branch is made up of courts.
• The highest of these courts is the U.S. Supreme Court.

Watch this video clip to learn more.

• Website #1
• Website #2

6: 8. Washington Monument

1. There are many important monuments and memorials in Washington D.C..

 

2. Learn about The Washington Monument here.

 

 

 

 

7: 9. Jefferson Memorial

1. There are many important monuments and memorials in Washington D.C..

 

2. Learn about The Jefferson Memorial here.

 

 

 

 

8: 10. Lincoln Memorial

1. There are many important monuments and memorials in Washington D.C..

 

2. Learn about The Lincoln Memorial here.

 

 

 

 

9: 11. Sightseeing and ASSESSMENT

 

1. Take a look at other sights and sounds in Washington, D.C. by watching this video segment.

 

 

 

2. Assessment: Write A Letter To Explain Your Point Of View

 

You began this virtual field trip by listening to the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. Think about the meaning of the Preamble, what you know about the creation of The United States, and what you have learned about our government as you complete this task.

A spaceship lands in your backyard. An alien named Follower214 introduces himself to you. He tells you that his planet, Aquadrome, is about to self-destruct. He tells you he is scouting for a new place for the inhabitants of his planet to live. He tells you that his planet is ruled by King Doitmyway. He also tells you that the people love and respect the King. They do everything he tells them to do because he is fair and respectful to his people.

There is one problem. The aliens would need to set up their new civilization underwater in the Atlantic Ocean. They live underwater on their home planet. Follower214 is afraid his people and the people of the United States will not get along because the governments are so different. He is worried about being our neighbor. The King does not understand why the United States has 3 branches of government and a capital.

Follower214 asks you to write a letter to the King to help convince him that the aliens and the United States can get along. Your letter must convince the King that our government is important to us and that we can still respect others.

• Be sure to explain the role of the King of England in the formation of our government.
• Be sure to explain why we have Washington, D.C.
• Be sure to explain why/how the government of the United States is good for the citizens of the United States. Tell the King about all 3 branches.
• Be sure to reassure the King that the patriotic citizens of the United States will be respectful of the different views of the Aquadronians by comparing the governments in a respectful manner.

4. Need a review?

• Visit this assignment page during center time for several video review segments.

 

5. Edit and revise your letter.

 

6. When you are ready to submit a final copy of your letter go to the link you see below. The directions will be repeated on the submission page.

 

ENTER THE FINAL DRAFT

OF YOUR LETTER HERE