Civic education is teaching and learning that equips and empowers people to be active participants in their communities and our democracy. At Civic Nebraska, this is what we are all about. Our Civic Health team works alongside our Youth Civic Leadership team to support civic education inside and outside of K-12 classrooms around the state. We help teachers and community partners to better teach about civic life in Nebraska. We want to be your resource.
Our civic education programs are evolving. Currently, we offer lesson plans and learning resources related to Nebraska state government, as well as our Capitol Experience Day field trip program.
This two-part lesson introduces students to the three branches of government at the state level, with a deep dive on the legislative branch and how a bill becomes a law in Nebraska. The lesson challenges students to think about their role in our state government processes and the power of their own voice. Each part of the lesson can be a stand-alone as well.Â
Click here to access the full lesson plan in Google Docs.
Essential Question: Why is it important to participate in state government?
In Part 1, participants will:
- Learn about the three branches of government at the state level.
- Learn about the history and make-up of the Nebraska Legislature.
- Complete an interactive activity about how a bill becomes a law in Nebraska.
- Review unicameral facts.
In Part 2, participants will:
- Read and analyze a sample legislative bill.
- Participate in a mock committee hearing.
As a result of this lesson, participants will be able to:
- Identify the role of all three branches of government, and distinguish between their representatives at the federal and state level.
- Explain the reasons why Nebraska has a Unicameral.
- Understand the public’s role in the law making process in Nebraska.
Watch this space, more resources are under development!
