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Virginia in the Civil War
Learners examine the role of Virginia during the Civil War. In groups, they brainstorm ideas about why they believe so many battles took place in Virginia. Using a map, they locate the major battles on land and in the ocean. To end...
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Virginian Contributors
Learners examine the contributions of native Virginians to the United States. For each person, they read excerpts of a book about their contributions and organize the information in a chart. In groups, they become an expert on one of...
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Demography and Services of Fairfax County, Virginia
Twelfth graders are introduced to the demographics and services of Fairfax County, Virginia. In groups, they identify programs and services that should be supported by tax dollars and presnt them to the class in a PowerPoint presentation.
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The Structure of Virginia Local Government
Students explain origins of Virginia's unique local government organization,
define numerous terms essential to understanding local government, and
evaluate impact of Dillon's Rule on local government in Virginia through debate.
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A Brief History of Fairfax County
Students begin the lesson by writing what they know about Fairfax County in their journals. Using primary source documents, they identify ten interesting facts about the area and watch a video. They complete a Venn Diagram comparing...
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A Place Called Fairfax
Students are introduced to the various types of maps of Fairfax County, Virginia. Using the maps, they explain the relative and absolute locations of the county and discuss the importance of both. They also discover how the county is...
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Organization of Fairfax County Government
Middle schoolers examine the various components of the Fairfax County government in Virginia. In groups, they describe the purpose of the Board of Supervisors and County Executive. They identify three constitutional officers and their...
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A Look At Spending
Students use an outdated budget to examine what the county spends its money on for its citizens. Using county information, they describe how the Board of Supervisors make budget decisions and how it can shape public policy. They also...
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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' Meeting
Students research the roles of the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County, Virginia. In a role-play activity, they practice making decisions for the county as if they were members of the Board. To end the lesson, they discuss how their...
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Analyzing Public Policy Options
Middle schoolers discuss what is meant by the term "public policy". In groups, they use the internet to research a specific public policy issue affecting Fairfax County, Virginia. They analyze and report their findings of the...
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Issues Close to Home
Students discuss their role in their local government. Individually, they use various types of media to examine and take a position on a topic important to them. To introduce their position, they write a letter to the Board of...
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The Structure of Virginia Local Government
Middle schoolers are introduced to the structure of the government in Virginia. Using the internet, they research the government's origin and how it is different from other states. They also practice using new vocabulary and take a...
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Understanding Dillon's Rule
Students review the establishment of the local government in Virginia. Using a reading assignment, they gather information on Dillon's rule and how it changed the government in the state. To end the lesson, they share their reflections...
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A Place Called Fairfax
Students use maps to locate Virginia, its surrounding states and Fairfax County. Individually, they describe the absolute and relative location of the county and why it is important to know both. As a class, they brainstorm the...
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The Meaning of Community
Students describe the word community as it applies to Fairfax County, Virginia. In groups, they brainstorm a list of words that are needed to have a strong community. They use the internet to assess the quality of life in the county...
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Mapping Fairfax County Service Providers
Middle schoolers brainstorm a list of services governments should have available to its citizens. Using the internet, they locate as many of these services as possible and compile a class list. They also analyze specific programs to...
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Issues Close to Home
Middle schoolers brainstorm as a class about their role in the local government. In groups, they use various types of media to discover how it is affecting their lives. They choose one issue and state their position to share with the...
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Students Involved In Volunteering
Eighth graders discuss the needs of their local community and how they are being met by the government. Individually, they participate as a volunteer at a local organization of their choice. They reflect on their experience and...
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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' Meeting
Young scholars examine the role of the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County, Virginia. In groups, they research their responsibilities to the community and role play in their own Board meeting. To end the lesson, they discuss how it...
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The Fairfax County Budget -- A Look At Spending
Learners brainstorm a list of items that should be a priority for the government to help its citizens. Using an out of date budget, they identify individual line items and the conflicts involved in making a budget work. They discuss...
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Exploring County Ordinances
Middle schoolers discuss the purpose of county ordinances and view actual examples. In groups, they take the ordinances and describe how they are to protect the citizens of the county. They also discuss how interest groups affect...
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Famous Virginians
Fourth graders research the lives of famous people from Virginia. Using the internet, they take notes in a blank flipbook given to them by their teacher. They write a speech in first person of the famous Virginian they researched and...
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Identify Virginia Native Animals
Students practice using an online encyclopedia to research native animals to Virginia. Using the information from the encyclopedia, they identify the main and supporting ideas. They share their information with the class using the...
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Lesson 3
Students demonstrate knowledge of geography and early inhabitants of Virginia by locating and identifying water features important to early history. They also locate three American Indian language groups. Both of these activities require...