West Hartford Administrators Association Grant in honor of Natalie Schulman's Retirement: Roots of Government
- School Year: 2016-2017
- Applicants: Gina Navarra, Lead Teacher
- School: Charter Oak
- Subjects: Social Studies
To align with the social studies unit on Connecticut government and to expand knowledge of the International Baccalaureate inquiry learning unit at Charter Oak Elementary School, the 4th grade students will participate in hands on discovery activities and role-playing at the Connecticut Historical Society. Prior to the visit, students brainstorm qualities of a good leader. The first program at CHS involves electing a governor with student actors using their ideas on how to make Connecticut better. Campaign speeches are given, a mock election is held and a governor is elected. The second program concentrates on how the courts work with students involved in a mock trial. The third program involves a debate on a proposed “law” addressing the need for either daily homework or Saturday school. Students present both sides of the issue to convince the legislature to send the bill to the governor. At the end of the CHS visit, students will travel to the State Capitol to meet with their local legislative representative to see how all they learned is actually put into action.