Teacher: Lauren Carpenter
Monday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.SP3.6 Construct and present
arguments based on claims and
counterclaims while pointing out
the strengths and limitations of
the arguments.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Language Conventions
Objective:
SWBAT determine their academic
and personal goals for block 4.
Do Now/Journal:
Describe your dream vacation.
Where do you go and what do
you do.
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Block 4 Goals Google Slides
Project
Student Engagement Strategies:
Media Project
Check for Understanding:
Grade: 8
Tuesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.SP3.6 Construct and present
arguments based on claims and
counterclaims while pointing out
the strengths and limitations of
the arguments.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Vocabulary Development
Objective:
SWBAT demonstrate their
knowledge of the Legislative
branch.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
If there could only be one
season, which would you choose
and why?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Legislative Branch Pre-
Assessment
Student Engagement Strategies:
Assessment
Check for Understanding:
Week of: 3/18/24
Wednesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.SP3.6 Construct and present
arguments based on claims and
counterclaims while pointing out
the strengths and limitations of
the arguments.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Language Conventions
Objective:
SWBAT identify the structure and
responsibilities of the Legislative
branch.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
What is your dream career and
why? How can you achieve this
goal?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Legislative Branch Video
(https://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=M3JOS6ptklw)
-4-3-2-1 Exit Ticket
Student Engagement Strategies:
Media Based Learning
Check for Understanding:
Thursday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.SP3.6 Construct and present
arguments based on claims and
counterclaims while pointing out
the strengths and limitations of the
arguments.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Language Conventions / Writing
Argumentative Essays
Objective:
SWBAT effectively identify and
write a claim and counterclaim.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
What would a day in your life be
like if you were famous?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Claim/counterclaim lesson
-Claim/counterclaim worksheet
Student Engagement Strategies:
Partner work
Check for Understanding:
Friday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.SP3.6 Construct and present
arguments based on claims and
counterclaims while pointing out
the strengths and limitations of the
arguments.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Language Conventions / Writing
Argumentative Essays
Objective:
SWBAT test their knowledge of
claims and counterclaims.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Should kids be allowed to have
cellphones? Why or why not?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Claim/counterclaim assessment
Student Engagement Strategies:
Assessment
Check for Understanding:
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter Grade: 8 Week of: 3/18/24

Review projects Assessment 4-3-2-1 Exit Ticket Exit Ticket: How do you feel about Counter-claims Quiz
claims and counter-claims? What is
the hardest part for you?
Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups:

All groups: Quill All groups: Quill All groups: Quill All groups: Quill All groups: Quill

Group A: Counter-claims lesson Group B: Counter-claims lesson Group C: Sentence structure Group D: Sentence structure lesson
w/ Ms. Carpenter w/ Ms. Carpenter lesson w/ Ms. Carpenter w/ Ms. Carpenter
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter
Monday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
Literacy Integration Standard:
Language Conventions
Objective:
SWBAT effectively write a claim
and use transitional phrases to
effectively write a counterclaim.
Do Now/Journal:
Imagine you have the power to
be invisible for a day. What
would you do? Where would you
go?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Counter-Claim Transitional
Phrases Lesson
-Claim and Counter-Claim
Worksheet Practice
Grade: 8
Tuesday Wednesday
Lesson # Lesson #
Essential Standard: Essential Standard:
AZSci
Literacy Integration Standard: Literacy Integration Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of Media Literacy
political and civic institutions
such as political parties, interest
groups, elections, and the media
in shaping policy.
Objective: Objective:
SWBAT SWBAT differentiate the two
main political parties (Democrat
and Republican).
Do Now/Link to Test Prep: Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Do you think war is a good thing
or a bad thing? Why?
Teacher Input: Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Political Parties Video
(https://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=vQgV5M0zWhA)
-Research the two political
parties
-Create an new logo for your
chose political party
Week of: 3/25/24
Thursday Friday
Lesson # Lesson #
Essential Standard: Essential Standard:
Good Friday – No School
Literacy Integration Standard: Literacy Integration Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of
political and civic institutions such
as political parties, interest groups,
elections, and the media in shaping
policy.
Objective: Objective:
SWBAT simulate the process that SWBAT
Congress goes through to make a
law.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep: Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Do you think social media is helpful
or harmful and why?
Teacher Input: Teacher Input:
-Journals -Journals
-Finish political party logos
-Creating a law game (iCivics)
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter
Student Engagement Strategies:
Group Work
Check for Understanding:
Claim and Counter-Claim
Worksheet
Mustang Zone Groups:
All groups: Quill
Group A: Claim and Counterclaim
Practice
Grade: 8
Student Engagement Strategies:
Check for Understanding:
Mustang Zone Groups:
Week of: 3/25/24
Student Engagement Strategies:
Creative activity
Check for Understanding:
What are the two political
parties and what are their
differing beliefs?
Mustang Zone Groups:
All groups: Quill
Group B: Sentence structure
practice lesson
Student Engagement Strategies: Student Engagement Strategies:
Game
Check for Understanding: Check for Understanding:
Pre and post assessment in game
Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups:
All groups: Quill
Group C: Sentence structure
practice lesson
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter
Monday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.SP3.6 Construct and present
arguments based on claims
and counterclaims while
pointing out the strengths and
limitations of the arguments.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Vocabulary Development
Objective:
SWBAT assess their knowledge
on claims and counterclaims with
a quiz.
Do Now/Journal:
Has anyone ever actually been
able to trick you on April fools’
day? If so, what did they do? If
not, what could you do?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Claims and Counter-Claims Quiz
Student Engagement Strategies:
Quiz
Grade: 8
Tuesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.SP3.6 Construct and present
arguments based on claims
and counterclaims while
pointing out the strengths and
limitations of the arguments.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Vocabulary Development
Objective:
SWBAT identify and define key
vocabulary terms from the
Legislative branch.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
If you could meet any famous
person, dead or alive, who would
it be and why?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Legislative Branch Vocabulary
Student Engagement Strategies:
I do – you do – we do
Week of: 4/1/24
Wednesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.SP3.6 Construct and present
arguments based on claims
and counterclaims while
pointing out the strengths and
limitations of the arguments.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Vocabulary Development /
Language Conventions
Objective:
SWBAT review the foundations
of argumentative essay writing.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Free Write
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Claims and Counter-Claims
review game
-Essay writing review game
(Blooket)
Student Engagement Strategies:
Review Game
Thursday Friday
Lesson # Lesson #
Essential Standard: Essential Standard:
8.SP3.6 Construct and present
AASA Writing arguments based on claims and
counterclaims while pointing
out the strengths and
limitations of the arguments.
Literacy Integration Standard: Literacy Integration Standard:
Speaking and Listening
Objective: Objective:
SWBAT SWBAT complete any missing
assignments.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep: Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Do you know how to check your
grades? What is your grade in my
class right now?
Teacher Input: Teacher Input:
-Journals -Journals
-Make-up Work
Student Engagement Strategies: Student Engagement Strategies:
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter Grade: 8 Week of: 4/1/24

One-on-one meeting with Ms.

Check for Understanding: Check for Understanding:
Quiz Write a sentence with each
vocab word
Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups:
Carpenter
Check for Understanding: Check for Understanding: Check for Understanding:
Review Game Turn in all missing work
Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups:

All groups: QuizIzz Reivew All groups: QuizIzz Reivew All groups: QuizIzz Reivew All groups: Complete missing work
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter
Monday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of
political and civic institutions
such as political parties,
interest groups, elections, and
the media in shaping policy.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Speaking and Listening /
Vocabulary Development /
Reading Informational Texts
Objective:
SWBAT understand and identify
the different forms of
propaganda.
Do Now/Journal:
What is the most interesting
thing that has ever happened in
your life?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Propaganda Video
(https://www.youtube.com/watc
h?v=T8L8tGErQPs)
-Propaganda Reading – Partner
Read Aloud
-Propaganda Worksheet
Student Engagement Strategies:
Grade: 8
Tuesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of
political and civic institutions
such as political parties,
interest groups, elections, and
the media in shaping policy.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Objective:
SWBAT take the AASA math test.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Teacher Input:
AASA Math
Student Engagement Strategies:
Week of: 4/8/24
Wednesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of
political and civic institutions
such as political parties,
interest groups, elections, and
the media in shaping policy.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Speaking and Listening /
Vocabulary Development
Objective:
SWBAT create their own
propaganda.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Is technology making us lazier?
Why or why not?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Propaganda Review
-Propaganda Project/Poster
Student Engagement Strategies:
Thursday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of
political and civic institutions
such as political parties, interest
groups, elections, and the media
in shaping policy.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Objective:
SWBAT take the AASA reading test.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Teacher Input:
AASA Reading
Student Engagement Strategies:
Friday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of
political and civic institutions
such as political parties, interest
groups, elections, and the
media in shaping policy.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Vocabulary Development
Objective:
SWBAT test their knowledge on the
different forms/types of
propaganda.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
What is the best way to spend
summer vacation?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Propaganda Quiz
Student Engagement Strategies:
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter Grade: 8 Week of: 4/8/24

Partner Reading / Media Based Creative Activity Quiz

Learning
Check for Understanding:
Vocabulary Practice Worksheet
Mustang Zone Groups:
Check for Understanding: Check for Understanding: Check for Understanding: Check for Understanding:
What is propaganda and how is it Quiz
used?
Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups:

All groups: Testing Strategies All groups: Testing Strategies All groups: Quiz
Review Review
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter
Monday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of
political and civic institutions
such as political parties,
interest groups, elections, and
the media in shaping policy.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Speaking and Listening / Media
Literacy
Objective:
SWBAT understand and identify
the different forms of
propaganda.
Do Now/Journal:
Write a message to someone. It
could be to a friend/family
member/teacher/etc.
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Finish Propaganda Posters
Student Engagement Strategies:
Creative Project
Check for Understanding:
Project
Grade: 8
Tuesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of
political and civic institutions
such as political parties,
interest groups, elections, and
the media in shaping policy.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Media Literacy / Language
Conventions
Objective:
SWBAT identify the different
forms of propaganda.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Is technology making us lazier?
Why or why not?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Propaganda Gallery Walk
Student Engagement Strategies:
Gallery Walk
Check for Understanding:
Week of: 4/15/24
Wednesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of
political and civic institutions
such as political parties,
interest groups, elections, and
the media in shaping policy.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Media Literacy
Objective:
SWBAT practice their
propaganda knowledge in a
game.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
What is your favorite song and
why?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-iCivics Propaganda/News
Literacy Game
Student Engagement Strategies:
Creative Activity
Check for Understanding:
Thursday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of
political and civic institutions
such as political parties, interest
groups, elections, and the media
in shaping policy.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Reading Informational Texts
Objective:
SWBAT identify the roles and
importance of the executive branch
of the United States government.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
What are you most excited for on
field day?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Executive Branch Reading and
Worksheet
Student Engagement Strategies:
Partner Reading
Check for Understanding:
Friday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.1 Describe the impact of
political and civic institutions
such as political parties, interest
groups, elections, and the
media in shaping policy.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Objective:
SWBAT have fun at field day!
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Teacher Input:
FIELD DAY
Student Engagement Strategies:
Check for Understanding:
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter Grade: 8 Week of: 4/15/24

What do you understand about Pre and Post Assessment on How much power does the
propaganda? What don’t you Game President really have?
understand about propaganda?
Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups:

All groups: Propaganda Review All groups: Gallery Walk All groups: Propaganda Review All groups: Complete missing
assignments
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter
Monday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.3 Compare the
structures, powers, and limits
of government at distinct
levels in the United States.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Speaking and Listening
Objective:
SWBAT identify the roles and
responsibilities of the executive
branch of the United States
government.
Do Now/Journal:
We only have three more weeks
left of school, what are you most
looking forward to about
summer?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Executive Branch Lesson
Student Engagement Strategies:
QuizIzz interactive lesson
Check for Understanding:
Grade: 8
Tuesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.3 Compare the
structures, powers, and limits
of government at distinct
levels in the United States.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Objective:
SWBAT
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Teacher Input:
STEM Jr. Achievement
Student Engagement Strategies:
Check for Understanding:
Week of: 4/29/24
Wednesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C3.3 Compare the
structures, powers, and limits
of government at distinct
levels in the United States.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Speaking and Listening
Objective:
SWBAT identify the roles and
responsibilities of the judicial
branch of the United States
government.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Judicial Branch Lesson
Student Engagement Strategies:
QuizIzz interactive lesson
Check for Understanding:
Thursday Friday
Lesson # Lesson #
Essential Standard: Essential Standard:
8.C3.3 Compare the structures, 8.C3.3 Compare the structures,
powers, and limits of powers, and limits of
government at distinct levels in government at distinct levels in
the United States. the United States.
Literacy Integration Standard: Literacy Integration Standard:
Speaking and listening / Reading
Informational Texts
Objective: Objective:
SWBAT pick a partner and a
political issue to research for their
final project.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep: Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
If you could end one problem in the
world, what would it be and why?
Teacher Input: Teacher Input:
-Journals 8th Grade Breakfast
-Introduce Final Project
-Students pick a partner and a
political issue to research.
Student Engagement Strategies: Student Engagement Strategies:
Check for Understanding: Check for Understanding:
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter Grade: 8 Week of: 4/29/24

Exit Ticket Exit Ticket

Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups:

All groups: Executive Branch All groups: Judicial Branch

Reflection Questions Reflection Questions
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter
Monday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C4.4 Identify, research,
analyze, discuss, and defend a
position on a national, state,
or local public policy issue
including an action plan to
address or inform others
about the issue.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Objective:
SWBAT
Do Now/Journal:
th
8 Grade Field Trip
Teacher Input:
-Journals
Grade: 8
Tuesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C4.4 Identify, research,
analyze, discuss, and defend a
position on a national, state,
or local public policy issue
including an action plan to
address or inform others
about the issue.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Media Literacy / Reading
Informational Texts / Language
Conventions
Objective:
SWBAT conduct research on a
political issue and create a
Google Slides presentation with a
partner.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
It’s teacher appreciation week!
Out of all the teachers you have
ever had, which do you
appreciate the most and why?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
Week of: 5/6/24
Wednesday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C4.4 Identify, research,
analyze, discuss, and defend a
position on a national, state,
or local public policy issue
including an action plan to
address or inform others
about the issue.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Media Literacy / Reading
Informational Texts / Language
Conventions
Objective:
SWBAT conduct research on a
political issue and create a
Google Slides presentation with a
partner.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
If you had one wish, what would
you wish for and why?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
Thursday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C4.4 Identify, research,
analyze, discuss, and defend a
position on a national, state, or
local public policy issue
including an action plan to
address or inform others about
the issue.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Media Literacy / Reading
Informational Texts / Language
Conventions
Objective:
SWBAT conduct research on a
political issue and create a Google
Slides presentation with a partner.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Why do you think we have political
issues? How can we avoid them?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Political Issue Final Group Project
Friday
Lesson #
Essential Standard:
8.C4.4 Identify, research,
analyze, discuss, and defend a
position on a national, state, or
local public policy issue
including an action plan to
address or inform others about
the issue.
Literacy Integration Standard:
Media Literacy / Reading
Informational Texts / Language
Conventions
Objective:
SWBAT conduct research on a
political issue and create a Google
Slides presentation with a partner.
Do Now/Link to Test Prep:
Is your project done? What do you
need to finish?
Teacher Input:
-Journals
-Political Issue Final Group Project
 Teacher: Lauren Carpenter Grade: 8 Week of: 5/6/24

-Political Issue Final Group -Political Issue Final Group

Student Engagement Strategies:
Check for Understanding:
Project
Student Engagement Strategies:
Group Work
Check for Understanding:
Progress check-in
Project
Student Engagement Strategies:
Group Work
Check for Understanding:
Progress check-in
Student Engagement Strategies: Student Engagement Strategies:
Group Work Group Work
Check for Understanding: Check for Understanding:
Progress check-in Progress check-in

Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups: Mustang Zone Groups:

All groups: Final Project All groups: Final Project All groups: Final Project All groups: Final Project