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Real World Learning about Government

ODA's fifth graders have been studying the formation and function of the U.S. government. Students learned how each of the three branches of government work in a system of checks and balances. Simulations and guest visitors have strengthened their understanding of this important material.
To better understand the process of writing and passing bills into law, students wrote bills suggesting ways they would like to add to or improve the Lower Campus. Ideas included dress-down days and adding a recess with lunch. Classes then met in small committees followed by meeting as a full Senate or House as bills were reviewed and voted on. Head of Lower School Mrs. Horner then met with each class to discuss the bills that made it through both the Senate and House. 

As part of the government unit, students met virtually with 12th Circuit Court Judge-Elect Kevin Bruning and Florida Congressman Greg Steube. Both guest speakers tied the class lessons and projects together to build a clearer understanding of how the American government works on the local, state, and national levels.

Judge Bruning met with each class on two occasions to discuss the different levels of court, requirements to be a judge in Florida, the court process, and unusual court cases and laws. His experience as a practicing lawyer offered a unique insight into the legal process.

Congressman Steube discussed his work in the U.S. House of Representatives over the last two years and his experience in the Florida Congress from 2010-2018. He talked about his experience with writing bills, then working through the process of the bill becoming a law. As a Marine veteran, Congressman Steube explained multiple bills he has specifically written for veterans at the state and national levels.

The fifth graders found these Zoom meetings interesting and informative. "I thought it was cool how both speakers talked about different types of judges,” said Addy DiPinto '28. "Judge Bruning talked about all of the requirements it takes to become a judge. I learned it is hard to become one."
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"I really liked meeting Congressman Steube, I feel like I learned a lot about the Senate and the House of Representatives," said George Rauch '28. "It was cool to meet a real congressman and hear about some of the weird laws he passed, and also how bills are made into laws."
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The Out-of-Door Academy

LOWER SCHOOL |  Historic Siesta Key Campus  |  Pre-K – Grade 5
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