Three Branches Slides Civics Explorers Unit Lesson 1
The Three Branches
of Government
Let's explore how our country's leaders work together to write, run, and review our nation's laws!
Adapted for 3rd Grade (MCAS Frameworks) Start Adventure
Who's In Charge? Meet the Leaders
Legislative
The Congress
This branch makes and writes the laws for our country.
Executive
The President
This branch signs and carries out the laws.
Judicial
The Supreme Court
This branch decides and explains if laws are fair.
They share power so no single branch becomes too powerful! Slide 2 of 5
Writing & Signing Laws Legislative & Executive
1
The Legislative Branch
Made up of the Senate and House of Representatives .
They gather in Washington, D.C., inside the famous Capitol Building .
They listen to citizens' problems and write bills to fix them.
2
The Executive Branch
Led by the President and the Vice President .
The President lives and works inside the famous White House .
Can veto (reject) or approve bills passed by Congress.
Fun Fact: Congress and the President must agree to make a bill a real law! Slide 3 of 5
The Ultimate Deciders Judicial Branch
3
The Judicial Branch & Balance
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It is made of 9 judges called Justices .
What is "Checks and Balances"?
A system where each branch keeps an eye on the other two. This makes sure no one person or group gets king-like power!
Our Government
Equal Power • Shared Goals
Congress President Court
Judges look directly at the Constitution to make decisions! Slide 4 of 5
Your Turn to Participate Being a Good Citizen
What is a Good Citizen?
A citizen is a member of a community. Good citizens help make their community a safe, friendly, and neat place to live.
Following community rules and laws.
Helping neighbors and voting in elections.
Quick Quiz: Match the Branch!
As a class, read the actions below and point to the correct leader on the board:
A. Writes a new law about road speed limits.
B. Meets with world leaders at the White House.
C. Decides if a city's rule breaks the Constitution.
In the next activity, we'll practice sorting the Three Branches! Slide 5 of 5
Three Branches Worksheet Lesson 1 Activity
Civics Explorers
The Three Branches of Government
Student Name:
Date:
1
Branch Matching Game
Draw a straight line from each Government Branch to its correct visual card and matching main responsibility.
A. Legislative
(The Congress)
B. Executive
(The President)
C. Judicial
(The Supreme Court)
1
Decides and explains if laws are fair or if they break the Constitution.
Branch: ____
2
Fights for and signs bills to make them real laws; acts as Commander-in-Chief.
Branch: ____
3
Writes, talks about, and votes on rules for our entire country.
Branch: ____
2
Being a Good Citizen
Read the real-life story below about community citizenship.
The Park Problem: In the town of Greenfield, the playground is covered in plastic trash. Kids are sad because they cannot safely play soccer or use the slides.
How can a good citizen help solve the Park Problem? Write 1-2 simple ideas:
Idea 1:
Idea 2:
Civics and Geography Explorers Unit Page 1 of 1
Three Branches Reader Leveled Reader 3rd Grade Level
Chapter 1
Sharing the Power: Our Government
Have you ever played a game with no rules? It would be very messy and confusing! Our country needs rules, too. We call countrywide rules laws . To make sure laws are fair, our government is divided into three equal parts. We call these the Three Branches of Government .
1. The Legislative Branch (Congress)
This branch writes the bills. Congress is made up of leaders from every state. They talk about what rules are best for the families in our country.
2. The Executive Branch (President)
This branch is led by the President. When Congress writes a bill, the President can sign it to make it a law, or veto it if they disagree.
3. The Judicial Branch (Supreme Court)
This branch works like a referee. They study the Constitution (the country's rulebook) to decide if people are being treated fairly.
Talk About It!
Why do you think it is important that no single group of leaders has all the power? How does this protect citizens?
Unit: Civics & Geography Explorers Page 1 of 2
Visual Cards Interactive Cut-Outs
Cut & Match
Civics Communication Cards
Cut out these visual cards to use during class discussion, sorting games, or matching tasks!
Legislative
The group of leaders who listen, debate, and write laws .
Congress
Executive
The leader who signs bills and carries out laws .
President
Judicial
The judges who decide if laws are fair and constitutional .
Supreme Court
Citizen
A member of a community who has rights and responsibilities .
You & Me
Constitution
The supreme rulebook that guides how our country runs.
Lawbook
Veto
The President's power to say no and reject a bill.
Stop Bill
Unit: Civics & Geography Explorers Page 2 of 2
Our Constitution and Rights Slides Civics Explorers Unit Lesson 2
Rules, Laws, and
our Constitution
Let's discover why we have laws, how the Constitution protects our freedom, and the powerful rights we all share!
Adapted for 3rd Grade (MCAS Frameworks) Start Adventure
Keeping Communities Safe Rules vs. Laws
What are Rules?
Rules are created for small groups like families, schools, or games.
"Raise your hand to speak."
"No running in the hallways."
Consequence: School time-out or parent chat
What are Laws?
Laws are special rules made by the government for everyone in a city or country.
"Drivers must stop at red lights."
"Do not take things that belong to others."
Consequence: Police intervention or court fines
Both rules and laws help prevent chaos and keep people happy and healthy! Slide 2 of 5
Our Nation's Rulebook The Constitution
What is the Constitution?
Written over 200 years ago, the Constitution is the most important document in the United States. It is the ultimate rulebook for how our nation runs.
Who is "We the People"?
The Constitution starts with these famous words! It means the government's power comes directly from the citizens of the nation.
We the People
The Supreme Law of the Land
No other state or local laws can ever go against what the Constitution says!
Fun Fact: It is carefully stored in Washington, D.C., for everyone to see! Slide 3 of 5
Protecting Our Freedom The Bill of Rights
The First 10 Additions: Our Basic Rights
The Constitution has additions called Amendments . The first ten amendments are called the Bill of Rights .
1
Free Speech
You have the right to speak up, share opinions, write books, and voice your ideas peacefully.
2
Press & Media
Newspapers, TV reporters, and blogs can share information and truths without government stops.
3
Religion & Gather
You can gather in groups peacefully, ask the government to fix problems, and choose what to believe.
Rights keep us free, but we must also respect the rights of others! Slide 4 of 5
Put it into Practice Rights & Rules Check
Constitution Worksheet Lesson 2 Organizer
Civics Explorers
My Constitution & Rights
Student Name:
Date:
1
Rules vs. Laws Sorting
Write the letter R in the circle if it is a school/home rule. Write L if it is a city/country law.
1. Clean up toys after play time.
2. Stop your car at a red light.
3. Do not take things from a store.
4. Raise your hand to speak in class.
2
Rights and Responsibilities Organizer
Complete the columns below. Think of a right you have (like speaking up) and the responsibility that goes with it.
My Basic Rights
Example:
I have the right to speak peacefully and share my ideas.
Write another right you have:
My Responsibilities
Example:
I must listen when others speak and respect their views.
Write the responsibility for it:
Civics and Geography Explorers Unit Page 1 of 1
Constitution Reader Leveled Reader 3rd Grade Level
Chapter 2
Our Constitution & Rights
Imagine you are starting a new country. How would you plan to run it? Long ago, in the year 1787, a group of wise American leaders met in Philadelphia. They wanted to write down the rules for our new country. This supreme paper is called the Constitution .
"We the People"
The Constitution starts with these powerful words. This tells us that the citizens are the ones who hold the power. We elect leaders to represent us.
The Bill of Rights
Some leaders worried that the government might get too strong. To protect everyone, they wrote the Bill of Rights. These first ten rules guarantee freedoms like speech, press, and safety.
Changing the Rules
As the world changes, we can add new rules to the Constitution. We call these additions Amendments .
Talk About It!
What is one right from the Bill of Rights you think is the most important? Why?
Unit: Civics & Geography Explorers Page 1 of 2
Visual Cards Interactive Cut-Outs
Cut & Match
Constitution Vocabulary Cards
Cut out these cards to study rules, laws, and freedoms!
Law
A government-made rule that everyone must follow to stay safe.
Society Rules
Bill of Rights
The first 10 additions to the Constitution protecting our freedom.
10 Rights
Amendment
A formal change or new addition made to the Constitution.
New Rule
Rule
A guideline made for small groups (like school or board games).
Group Guides
Freedom of Speech
The right to express opinions and ideas without fear.
Voice Right
We the People
The idea that government power comes from the citizens .
Our Power
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Mapping Our World Slides Geography Explorers Unit Lesson 3
Mapping Our
Amazing World
Let's master map reading skills, explore beautiful physical landforms, and discover how our environment shapes the ways we live!
Adapted for 3rd Grade (MCAS Frameworks) Start Adventure
Navigating the Paper Map Tools
The Compass Rose
Shows us the Cardinal Directions to find where to go.
N
W
•
E
S
The Map Key / Legend
Explains what the symbols and colors on a map represent.
〰 Blue Wavy = River
▲ Green Triangle = Mountain
Using map tools prevents you from getting lost in the wild! Slide 2 of 5
Physical Geography Amazing Landforms
▲
Mountains
The highest, tallest parts of Earth's land. They have steep slopes and pointy peaks.
▼
Valleys
The low, flat land that sits nestled directly between mountains or hills. Often has rivers.
🏝
Islands
A completely separate piece of land that is surrounded by water on all sides.
Massachusetts features famous bays, cape peninsulas, and rolling hills! Slide 3 of 5
Human & Nature Connections Environmental Shaping
How Environment Shapes Us
Where people choose to build their homes and towns depends heavily on the physical landforms and resources surrounding them.
💧
Water Access
Towns are often built next to rivers for drinking, farming, and transport boat pathways.
Real-Life Example
"Boston, Massachusetts was built right on a massive harbor! This safe, deep water let ships travel across the ocean to trade food and goods easily."
Natural Resource: A useful material found in nature (water, wood, metal, soil).
Look around your neighborhood! What physical resources are near you? Slide 4 of 5
Explorers Team Check Map Check-In
Explorer Challenge: Point & Name!
Look at the clues below and use your hand to show the card representing that direction or feature:
🧭
Clue 1
The sun rises in this direction every single morning.
East (E)
🏔
Clue 2
This is the flat land sitting directly between two tall mountains.
Mapping My World Worksheet Lesson 3 Activity
Geography Explorers
Mapping My World
Student Name:
Date:
1
The Compass Rose Challenge
Fill in the missing cardinal directions on the compass rose below. Use the letters: N (North), S (South), E (East), W (West) .
N
____
____
____
2
Where Would You Live?
Read the environment description and answer the challenge question.
Fresh Water Resource: Rivers are long pathways of fresh water. Long ago, people always built their communities close to rivers because they needed fresh water to drink, cook, and wash their clothes. Rivers also let them travel on boats to other towns!
Why is it easier to live near a river than on top of a giant, dry mountain? Write 1-2 sentences:
Reason 1:
Reason 2:
Civics and Geography Explorers Unit Page 1 of 1
Mapping Reader Leveled Reader 3rd Grade Level
Chapter 3
Mapping Our World
Have you ever looked at a globe? Our planet is full of beautiful designs made of soil, rock, and water. These natural patterns are called landforms . To explore these landforms, people use small paper drawings called maps . Let's learn the secret tools to read maps!
Finding Your Way
Every map has a helper called a Compass Rose . It points to North, South, East, and West. This helps explorers know which direction they are heading!
The Map Key
Maps are much smaller than real life, so they use tiny symbols. A green triangle might mean a forest, and a little blue line might mean a river. The Map Key reveals what each icon represents.
Shaping Our Lives
People live in different ways depending on their land. Families near rivers might build fishing boats. Families living in flat valleys might plant big farms of corn or wheat.
Talk About It!
If you were building a brand-new city, would you choose to build it near a deep ocean harbor, on top of a mountain, or in a forest? Why?
Unit: Civics & Geography Explorers Page 1 of 2
Visual Cards Interactive Cut-Outs
Cut & Match
Geography Vocabulary Cards
Cut out these cards to study directions, landforms, and environments!
Compass Rose
A map tool showing cardinal directions : North, South, East, and West.
Direction Guide
Map Key
A box explaining the symbols and colors on a map.
Legend
Mountain
A very high, steep, and pointy landform rising far above its surroundings.
High Peak
▼
Valley
A low, flat area of land nestled between mountains or hills.
Low Land
〰
River
A long, flowing body of fresh water traveling across the land.
Freshwater
Resources
Useful things found in nature (water, wood, plants, minerals).
Nature Gifts
Unit: Civics & Geography Explorers Page 2 of 2
American Symbols Slides Civics Explorers Unit Lesson 4
Symbols and
Monuments of America
Let's identify the historic symbols, massive stone monuments, and core democratic values that tie all Americans together!
Adapted for 3rd Grade (MCAS Frameworks) Start Adventure
Representing Our Values American Symbols
The American Flag
Features 50 white stars and 13 stripes. The stars represent all our 50 states . The stripes represent the original colonies.
🦅
The Bald Eagle
Chosen as our national bird because of its incredible strength, beauty, and freedom high up in the sky.
A symbol is an object, bird, or design that stands for a bigger idea! Slide 2 of 5
Stone & Copper Landmarks Famous Monuments
🗽
The Statue of Liberty
A giant copper statue standing proud in New York Harbor. She holds a bright torch of welcome and stands for freedom for immigrants.
🔔
The Liberty Bell
Located in Philadelphia. It was rung to celebrate freedom and has a famous giant crack. It represents the value of liberty (freedom) .
People from all over the world travel to visit these national parks! Slide 3 of 5
What We Believe In Democratic Values
F Freedom
The power to make your own choices, practice your own beliefs, and live your life without unfair government interference.
E Equality
The core belief that every single citizen, no matter who they are, deserves the exact same fair treatment under the law.
"With liberty and justice for all" is written directly in the Pledge! Slide 4 of 5
Civics Masters Review Final Check
Explorer Review: What's the Symbol?
Point to the picture card on your desk that matches these descriptions:
🗽
Description A
Welcomes immigrants and stands in New York Harbor.
Statue of Liberty
🔔
Description B
Has a giant crack and stands in Philadelphia.
Liberty Bell
🇺🇸
Description C
Has 50 stars and 13 red and white stripes.
American Flag
Congratulations! You are now a certified Civics Explorer! Slide 5 of 5
Symbols and Values Worksheet Lesson 4 Activity
Civics Explorers
Symbols & Values
Student Name:
Date:
1
Matching National Symbols
Draw a straight line from each Symbol to its correct meaning and visual icon card.
🇺🇸
American Flag
🗽
Statue of Liberty
🔔
Liberty Bell
1
A giant copper statue in New York welcoming immigrants with a glowing torch.
Match: ____
2
A historic metal bell with a large crack that stands for liberty in Philadelphia.
Match: ____
3
Features 50 white stars for our states and 13 stripes representing early colonies.
Match: ____
2
Understanding Equality
Read the description and write your thoughts.
What is Equality? Equality is the democratic value that means every person gets the exact same fair chance and fair treatment under our country's laws. It does not matter what you look like or where you were born!
What does "treating others fairly" look like on the school playground? Write 1-2 ideas:
Idea 1:
Idea 2:
Civics and Geography Explorers Unit Page 1 of 1
Civics and Geography Assessment Unit Test Modified Format
Civics Explorers
Civics & Geography Unit Assessment
Student Name:
Date:
1
Government & Laws (Multiple Choice)
Read each question carefully and fill in the circle next to the correct answer.
1. Which branch of government writes and votes on new bills?
A. Legislative
B. Executive
C. Judicial
2. What is the supreme "rulebook" document of the United States called?
A. The Pledge
B. The Constitution
C. A School Rule
2
Rules, Laws, and Rights (True / False)
Circle True if the statement is correct, or False if it is wrong.
1. A school rule must be followed by everyone in the whole country.
True False
2. The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments.
True False
3. Freedom of Speech means you are allowed to say whatever you want, even if it hurts others.
True False
Civics and Geography Explorers Assessment Page 1 of 2
Part II: Geography & Symbols
3
Geography & Landforms Matching
Match each geography term on the left with its correct meaning on the right.
1
Compass Rose
A map tool showing direction (North, South, East, West).
____
2
Valley
A low, flat area of land sitting directly between high mountains.
____
3
Island
A piece of land completely surrounded by water on all sides.
____
4
National Symbols & Our Values (Short Answer)
Select one American Symbol you learned about (like the American Flag, Statue of Liberty, or Liberty Bell) and write a short response.
Write the Symbol you chose:
Why is this symbol important to families in America? Write 1-2 ideas:
Idea 1:
Idea 2:
Civics and Geography Explorers Assessment Page 2 of 2
