Civics Websites

Ben's guide to the U.S. Government for Kids has interactive and printable games that are an educational component of the Government Printing Office. This site provides learning tools for K-12 students, parents, and teachers. The resources show students how the government workks, has primary source materials, and suggestions for carrying out civic responsibilities. The information seems a little advanced for the younger children so they may need assistance.

The U.S. House of Representatives Clerk has created a website that teaches students of all ages. There is information about the role, history, and Members of the House of Representatives. Learners are encouraged through information pages, coloring pages, mazes, pictures, and more. There are resources for teachers that include links to information, activities, and lesson plans that accompany the content on this site. Although the website is geared for kindergarten and up, the teacher would need to be selective in choosing the activities, some are not appropriate for their readiness level.

At the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum there are a variety of educational programs that have activities for students from pre-K to Grade 12. These programs are designed to reinforce the themes of the exhibits of the museum and state curriculum by focusing on the White House, the presidency, U.S. and local government, and U.S. history. The drawback is that the programs are available to teachers by reservation only. Scheduling would be important to utilize this tool.

Congress for Kids is a website that gives children 4th-12th grade access to interactive, fun-filled exerineces designed to teach the foundation of the federal government and how it affects them. This site has full-color illustrations and engaging activities that introduce students to a new skill, but of knowledge, or test knowledge.

Inside the President's House has facts and fun for all ages. There is a blueprint of the white house, information about the white house, fun facts, and pictures of the presidents and the first pets. Even though it is advertised to be for all ages, elementary children would need scaffolding to find this site educational.