Unit 7: Beltane
Civics: Government, Rights & Responsibilities
7 weeks (Apr 13 – May 29)
5th Principle: Right of conscience and democratic process
🏛️ Unit Overview
As Beltane celebrates community, we explore American democracy and citizenship.
🎯 Learning Goals
- Understand federal, state, local government
- Analyze Constitution and Bill of Rights
- Explore citizenship rights and responsibilities
- Examine electoral process
- Complete polynomials and rational functions
Week 1: Foundations of American Government
Hearth: Beltane | Civics: Enlightenment, Constitution | Lit: Common Sense | Math: Polynomial functions
Week 2: Constitution & Separation of Powers
Hearth: Balance | Civics: Three branches | Lit: Federalist Papers | Math: Factoring
Week 3: Bill of Rights
Hearth: Rights vs. community | Civics: Amendments, Court cases | Lit: Court opinions | Math: Division
Week 4: Expanding Rights
Hearth: Progress | Civics: 13th-26th Amendments | Lit: Sojourner Truth | Math: Rational functions
Week 5: Elections & Participation
Hearth: Voting power | Civics: Electoral College, parties | Lit: Political speeches | Math: Rational equations
Week 6: State & Local Government
Hearth Circle: Local impact—how decisions close to home affect daily life
Civics: State constitutions, governors, state legislatures, local government (city/county), school boards, zoning, Florida-specific government structure
Literature: Local news analysis; op-eds on community issues
Math: Review of rational expressions, complex fractions
Field Work: Attend a local government meeting (city council, school board) or watch online
Week 7: Citizenship & Year Review
Hearth Circle: What kind of citizen will you be? Reflecting on the year's journey
Civics: Responsibilities of citizenship, jury duty, community service, informed participation, current events discussion
Literature: Student choice: speech or essay on civic engagement
Math: Algebra II comprehensive review, PERT/SAT practice
Assessment: Civics exam, Algebra II final, portfolio review