This activity will help students understand the need for rules, the rulemaking process, and the role of the student / citizen. Students will be introduced to the relationship between rules and laws and how citizens can establish laws in their communities, much like rules in the classroom, to help them live together.
Civics Lessons
Lesson Topic: Rule of Law
The Need for Laws: Planet Lawless
Colonial Influences
American colonists had some strong ideas about what they wanted in a government. These ideas surface in colonial documents, and eventually became a part of the founding documents like the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. But where did they come from? This lesson looks at the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, English Bill of Rights, Cato’s Letters and Common Sense.
Orb and Effy Learn About Authority
Grade: K-1
This lesson introduces the study of authority. Children learn when people are exercising authority and when they are exercising power without authority. Children learn how and why authority is useful in society.
Rules, Rules, Rules-The Eraser Game
Students reflect on when and why rules are needed and the importance of rules in the classroom or in a community setting.
Case of the Shipwrecked Sailors
Sudents review a case study which helps them distinguish between legal and ethical questions
No Animals at School
This lesson provides an opportunity for students to explore how rules and laws are written and interpreted. Strategies for writing a good rule/law are emphasized and scenarios examined to determine what a rule/law really means.
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Rules, Rules, Rules
This activity helps students understand the need for rules, the rule-making process, and the role of the student / citizen. The classroom constitution provides a foundation for understanding and reinforcing the principles and ideals which provide the framework for American democracy.
B.B. Wolf v. Curly Pig Mock Trial
Mock Trial Script of Curly Pig vs the Big Bad Wolf
Mindwalk: The Law is Everywhere
Students learn the Importance and Reason for Rules and Laws