Name:Congress For Kids
Brief Description of the Site:
Presented by The Dirksen Congressional Center (named for the late Republican Congressman), this fact-filled site teaches the basics of U.S. government in a straightforward manner. There are colorful graphics but the text is of primary importance, as it explains the basic concepts, starting with The Declaration of Independence and The U.S. Constitution and moving on to discuss the three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) and more. The site’s designers were careful to provide many opportunities for review and for assessment. In fact, users can begin by taking one or all of three quizzes or they can defer the quizzes till after they’ve absorbed the information available at the site. The site is focused on facts and learning, but the information is presented in a graphically pleasing manner.
How to use the site:
Let students test themselves by taking the three quizzes, as this should provide excellent motivation for the information-rich “tour†which follows. The learning is divided into small and palatable “bites†so as not to overwhelm anyone, and each subtopic offers a “Show What You Know†quiz-taking opportunity. It is an excellent resource for students from Grades 5 – 10 or for anyone who would like to brush up on those details that we’re ashamed to admit have somehow slipped from memory.
