A Representative Back Home

Overview

In this lesson, students discover what a legislator does when he or she is back home. Students create an itinerary that shows what one of their representatives did when he or she was recently in his or her home district.

Grade Levels

5 – 8

Objectives

Students will:

• identify their representatives;
• describe the activities of a legislator visiting his or her district; and
• explain why it is important for representatives to stay in touch with their constituents.

Estimated Time

2 days

Materials Needed

• E-Learning Module: The Many Roles of a Member of Congress
• Internet connection with Macromedia FLASH ® enabled
• Projection device
• Chalkboard and a piece of chalk or a whiteboard and marker
• 3 pieces of white poster board

Procedure

1. Explain to students that Members of Congress usually have busy schedules when they are back home in their districts. Then tell students that they will follow around Representative Zach Wamp of Tennessee and see what he does when he is in his home district. Use a projection device to show students "A Representative Back Home" from The Many Roles of a Member of Congress E-learning module.
2. Ask students to name their representatives in Congress. If students cannot identify their representatives, use a projection device and show students how to find this information on the Internet.
3. Divide the class into three groups. Assign each group a different representative.
4. Ask each group to look at its assigned representative's Web site and to read through the local newspaper to find out what types of activities the representative participates in when he or she is back home.
5. Give each group a white poster board. Have each group create an itinerary that shows what its assigned representative did when he or she was recently home.
6. Allow all groups to share their itineraries with the class. Have students examine the three itineraries and determine what types of activities are similar in the three itineraries. Discuss why it is important for representatives to stay in touch with their constituents.

Extension Activity

Invite a district staff member of your local representative to visit the class and describe what your representative does when he or she is at home.

Assessment

Basic Concepts and Processes

Ask your students to respond to the following requests for information and assess their knowledge of key concepts taught in this lesson.

1. Name your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators.
2. Name some things your representatives do when they are back home.
3. Why is it important for representatives to stay in touch with their constituents?

Lesson Plan Feedback

If you have suggestions for improving this lesson plan, or if you have ideas for others using the module, please let us know. We value your input. Thank you!

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