The resource that I found this week is
titled iCivics. This resource is an interactive website that has story-type
games and simulations. Obvious by its title, it takes students through topics
such as the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the branches of government. From
what I can tell by playing several of the learning games, this site is engaging
for students because of its story telling component and ability for students to
choose the story’s direction for themselves. Another reason I would recommend Social
Studies teachers using this site is because it doesn’t just give students hard
facts; this site allows students to think critically about how people during
each time period would respond to certain challenges or governmental decisions.
I believe this allows students to connect decisions that the government makes
or the structure of government to its affect on its citizens. I think it is a
very beneficial skill for students because it can make connecting history to
real-life situations much easier. Teaching students history through the lens of
the people involved in specific events helps them to feel more real and
significant to students. This also really helps with engagement in the classroom.
The last and one of the greatest positive things about this site is that it is
free! This always makes resources an even better find!
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Hey Gabie!
ReplyDeleteSocial Studies is my second area of emphasis so I can definitely see myself using this in class someday. Government and civics can be such a mundane topic for students to learn and teachers to teach so this website is a great tool that would help create an engaging and fun lesson. I love how you mention the aspect of critical thinking too. So often teachers spout facts for students to just memorize but this website allows students to think critically about their position as a US citizen and how laws and the government affect their everyday lives.
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