Civic Duty: Rights and Responsibilities in the USA
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we as young adults ensure the strength of our democracy through understanding and fulfilling our civic duties?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are my legal responsibilities as a citizen?
- Why is it important to be an active and informed citizen?
- How does someone become a citizen of the United States?
- What are the different ways I can serve my community and country?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand individual’s legal obligations to obey the law, serve as a juror, and pay taxes.
- Understand the obligations of civic-mindedness, including voting and being informed on civic issues.
- Understand the obligations of civic-mindedness, including volunteering and performing public service.
- Understand the obligations of civic-mindedness, including serving in the military or alternative service.
- Explain how one becomes a citizen of the United States, including the process of naturalization (e.g., literacy, language, and other requirements).
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students"Citizenship Challenge: The American Dream"
Students participate in a simulated naturalization process, including a mock interview, civics test, and demonstration of English proficiency. This immersive experience highlights the requirements and challenges faced by immigrants seeking citizenship, prompting reflection on the value and responsibilities of being a US citizen."The Case of the Missing Taxes"
Students are presented with a mock news report about a town facing a budget crisis due to widespread tax evasion. They must investigate the 'case,' researching the importance of taxes and the consequences of not paying them to propose solutions and restore the town's financial stability.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Legal Obligations: Law, Jury, and Taxes - The Foundation of Citizenship
Students will explore their legal duties as citizens by examining the importance of obeying laws, serving on a jury, and paying taxes. They will analyze scenarios, case studies, and real-world examples to understand these obligations' impact on society.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed infographic that illustrates each legal obligation, its importance, and the potential consequences of non-compliance. Include real-world examples and visuals.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Understand individual’s legal obligations to obey the law, serve as a juror, and pay taxes.Civic-Mindedness in Action: Voting, Staying Informed, and Volunteering
Students will delve into the obligations of civic-mindedness by focusing on voting, staying informed on civic issues, and volunteering. They will research local and national issues, evaluate different sources of information, and participate in a volunteer activity to understand the impact of civic engagement.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multimedia presentation (e.g., video, podcast, website) that highlights a chosen civic issue, presents different perspectives, offers potential solutions, and reflects on the importance of voting, staying informed, and volunteering.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goals: Understand the obligations of civic-mindedness, including voting and being informed on civic issues; Understand the obligations of civic-mindedness, including volunteering and performing public service.Becoming an American Citizen: The Naturalization Journey
Students will explore the process of becoming a citizen of the United States, including the requirements for naturalization (e.g., literacy, language, and other requirements). They will simulate the naturalization process, research historical and contemporary immigration issues, and understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA documentary-style video that tells the story of someone going through the naturalization process, highlighting the requirements, challenges, and the significance of becoming a U.S. citizen. Include interviews, historical context, and personal reflections.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Explain how one becomes a citizen of the United States, including the process of naturalization (e.g., literacy, language, and other requirements).Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCivic Responsibilities and Citizenship Rubric
Understanding Legal Obligations
Evaluates students' comprehension of legal duties such as obeying the law, serving on a jury, and paying taxes. Also assesses their ability to analyze related scenarios.Research and Definition
Ability to accurately research and define legal obligations and provide relevant examples.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides comprehensive definitions and a diverse range of examples that demonstrate deep understanding of legal obligations.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear definitions with relevant examples that reflect thorough understanding.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic definitions with limited examples, showing an emerging understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to provide accurate definitions and relevant examples, showing initial understanding.
Analysis of Case Studies
Ability to evaluate case studies or news articles related to the consequences of not fulfilling legal obligations.
Exemplary
4 PointsCritically evaluates case studies with insightful analysis and connects them to broader societal impacts.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively evaluates case studies with clear analysis and reasoning.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic evaluation of case studies with limited analysis and rationale.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to evaluate case studies and provides minimal analysis.
Participation and Reflection
Engagement in class discussion and reflection on the significance of legal obligations in society.
Exemplary
4 PointsActively participates with thoughtful contributions and profound reflection on societal impact.
Proficient
3 PointsParticipates effectively and reflects on the societal role of legal obligations.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates sporadically with basic reflection, showing emerging engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsRarely participates and struggles to reflect on the significance of legal obligations.
Infographic Presentation
Quality and clarity of the final infographic product depicting legal obligations and consequences.
Exemplary
4 PointsProduces a sophisticated, visually appealing infographic that comprehensively covers legal obligations and consequences.
Proficient
3 PointsProduces a clear and informative infographic with relevant content and visuals.
Developing
2 PointsProduces an infographic with basic content and some visuals, showing partial understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to produce a coherent infographic with limited content and visuals.
Civic-Mindedness and Engagement
Assesses students' understanding of civic-mindedness, including staying informed, voting, and volunteering.Researching Civic Issues
Capability to research, identify perspectives, and evaluate solutions to civic issues.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts thorough research and produces a nuanced analysis of civic issues, considering diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts effective research and provides clear analysis of civic issues with relevant perspectives and solutions.
Developing
2 PointsConducts basic research with limited analysis and perspective diversity, showing emerging skills.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to conduct research and analyze civic issues with minimal depth and perspective.
Media Evaluation and Citizen Guide
Ability to evaluate news sources for bias and credibility and create a guide on informed citizenship.
Exemplary
4 PointsCritically assesses media sources with a comprehensive guide that showcases sophisticated understanding of media literacy.
Proficient
3 PointsEvaluates media sources effectively and creates a detailed guide reflecting understanding.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic media evaluation and a simple guide, indicating developing literacy skills.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles in media evaluation and provides limited or unclear guide.
Volunteering and Reflection
Involvement in volunteering or community service and reflective understanding of its impact.
Exemplary
4 PointsDisplays exemplary participation in volunteer work and profound reflection on its broader societal impact.
Proficient
3 PointsParticipates actively in volunteering with clear and effective reflection.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates minimally with basic reflection, showing emerging understanding of volunteer impact.
Beginning
1 PointsParticipates ineffectively with minimal reflection on the impact of the activity.
Multimedia Presentation
Quality and depth of the multimedia presentation highlighting civic issues and engagement.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates an innovative multimedia presentation that expertly addresses civic issues and demonstrates deep engagement.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops a clear and impactful presentation with relevant content on civic issues.
Developing
2 PointsProduces a basic presentation with partial content coverage, indicating developing skills.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to develop a coherent presentation with limited content depth.
Understanding Naturalization
Assesses students' comprehension of the naturalization process and related immigration challenges.Research on Naturalization
Depth of research on naturalization requirements and historical context.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an exhaustive research account on naturalization with nuanced understanding of historical and current contexts.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers detailed research and coherent understanding of naturalization and its context.
Developing
2 PointsCompletes basic research and shows an introductory understanding of naturalization.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles with research and understanding of naturalization and its context.
Simulation and Reflection
Participation in naturalization simulations and reflective understanding of the process and challenges.
Exemplary
4 PointsEngages deeply in simulations with insightful reflections on the complexities and significance of naturalization processes.
Proficient
3 PointsParticipates effectively in simulations, providing clear reflection on experiences.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in simulations with basic reflection, indicating emerging understanding.
Beginning
1 PointsParticipates minimally with limited reflection and understanding.
Documentary Presentation
Quality of the documentary video illustrating the naturalization journey.
Exemplary
4 PointsProduces a compelling documentary that effectively narrates the naturalization journey with profound insights and engaging content.
Proficient
3 PointsCreates an informative documentary providing a clear narrative of the naturalization process.
Developing
2 PointsDevelops a basic documentary with partial narrative engagement and content depth.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to produce a coherent documentary with limited storytelling and content.