Pine Tree Pedagogy

Help your students understand the three branches of government with this engaging and scaffolded fill-in-the-blank visual notes! This resource is perfect for middle school civics, government, or U.S. history classes. Students will review key responsibilities and powers of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, as well as important vocabulary like checks and balances, cabinet, impeachment, and judicial review. Tthis printable and digital-friendly activity works well as: Guided notes A

This is a slideshow that guides a mini unit on social media usage by citizens and politicians. It starts with a short writing activity and "thrash out" style debate on whether or not students think they should receive in school consequences for out of school social media postings. From there, this unit goes into Political uses for social media and specifically President Trump's use. It ends with a short Claim, Evidence, Reasoning writing activity about whether or not Presidential tweets should b

Give your students a chance to think critically, speak up, and take action with this engaging civics activity focused on getting involved in government! Perfect for middle school social studies or advisory, this resource helps students explore real issues currently being debated in Congress, understand representation at the local, state, and national levels, and make a personalized action plan for civic engagement—even if they’re not old enough to vote. Students will reflect on controversial to