Structure of the Texas State Government


Students first use a Web tool to locate the names of their state senator and representative. The next three scenes present the three branches of state government, and the small groups create charts of each branch. Finally each small group creates a poster about one of the three branches.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

1:1 Devices
Teacher Pack

The Pack contains associated resources for the learning experience, typically in the form of articles and videos. There is a teacher Pack (with only teacher information) and a student Pack (which contains only student information). As a teacher, you can toggle between both to see everything.

Here are the teacher pack items for Structure of the Texas State Government:

Preview - Scene 1
Exploros Learnign Experience Scene Navigation


Overview

In this experience, students first use a Web tool to locate the names of their state senator and representative. The next three scenes present the three branches of state government, and the small groups create charts of each branch. Finally each small group creates a poster about one of the three branches.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 to scene 5.

Estimated duration: 45-75 minutes, depending on how much time you want to give groups to work on their posters

Vocabulary words:

  • veto
  • district
  • committee
  • chamber
  • override
  • appoint
  • violation

Objective

  • Describe the structure and function of Texas state government.


Engage


The Texas Constitution creates three branches of state government: legislative, executive, and judicial. Each branch has a different job. This helps keep one branch from becoming too powerful. In this lesson, you will learn about each branch and the work it does in Texas government.

Objective

  • Describe the structure and function of Texas state government.


the front and back of the State of Texas seal

Texas State Seal, front and back


As a resident of Texas, you are represented by a state senator and a state representative. It is important to know who they are because they make choices that affect you and your family. Use the Who Represents Me tool to locate your state senator and representative.



The student pack includes maps of the State Senate Districts and the State House Districts. Have students locate your town on the maps to see what districts they live in.


Divide students into their small groups for the next four scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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