Free What Is Civics Lesson Plan for 8th Grade Students

Topic: What is Civics

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to define civics and explain its importance in a democracy.

Materials

• Textbook or other definition of civics
• Handouts or worksheets on civics
• Examples of civic responsibilities and activities (e.g. voting, volunteering, taking part in public forums)

Warm-up

• Ask students what they know about civics. Write their answers on the board.
• Ask students if they know what responsibility citizens have in a democracy. Write their answers on the board.
• Ask students to share examples of civic responsibilities and activities they have participated in (e.g. voting, volunteering, taking part in public forums).

Direct Instruction

• Define civics and explain its importance in a democracy.
• Discuss the different branches of government and their roles.
• Discuss the democratic process, including voting and public forums.

Guided Practice

• Have students work in small groups to create a collage illustrating the concepts discussed in the direct instruction section.
• Have each group present their collage to the class and explain their choices.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose one of the topics covered in the direct instruction section and research it further on their own.
• Have students create a poster or presentation to share what they have learned with the class.

Closure

• Review the main points of the lesson and have students share any insights or new understandings they gained about civics and democracy.
• Encourage students to become engaged in local politics and to participate in elections and other civic -activities.

Assessment

• Observe students during the group work and independent project activities to assess their understanding of the topics covered in the lesson.
• Collect and review their written responses to the guided practice activity to assess their understanding of civic participation.