Alabama Social Studies SS24.6.18a

Social Studies6th GradeFoundations of American Government

The Standard

SS24.6.18: Analyze how an individual’s civic participation can influence government, politics, and society.

Identify and describe ways citizens work together to influence the government and solve problems.

2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students explain how people can join together to raise a local problem and ask government to act. They name steps such as gathering signatures, speaking at a public meeting, or writing to an elected official.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can choose a group action for a specific problem and explain why it fits. For an unsafe crossing, they might suggest neighbors ask the city council for a marked crosswalk and bring photos to a meeting.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think a petition forces officials to make a change. They may also think posting a complaint online reaches the people who can fix the problem.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: The crossing near the library is unsafe. Name two ways neighbors could work together to request a fix, and say who they should contact.

Lesson moves

In groups, make a paper petition asking the city for a safer crosswalk, with a specific request and space for signatures.
Ask students to write: Would a petition or a public comment help residents make a case for fixing a broken sidewalk? Why?
Deal problem, city office, and action cards; have pairs match each set and explain how residents could work together.
Read your town or county council's public comment instructions, then draft a two-sentence request about a nearby traffic concern.

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A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to SS24.6.18a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

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