Curated OER
A Brief History of Fairfax County
Young scholars brainstorm a list of things they already know about the history of Fairfax County, Virginia. After reading a primary source document, they discuss the similarities and differences between their prior knowledge and what...
Center for History and New Media
Founding of the Laurel Grove School and Other "Colored" Schools in Fairfax County, 1860–1890
The right to public education was not always so clear in American history. Readers study several primary and secondary source documents, including property deeds, maps, and photographs, about the founding of local schools during the...
Center for History and New Media
The Daily Experience of the Laurel Grove School, 1925
What was daily life like for those attending segregated schools in 1925? Modern learners fill out a KWHL chart as they explore historical background and primary source documents about the Laurel Grove School in Fairfax County, Virginia....
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Fairfax County Services
Students review a list of county services and locations connected with the Fairfax County government then rank these services in order of importance. They work in small groups and research 3-5 services then compile a community Services...
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Organization of Fairfax County Government
Students identify Fairfax County government as council-manager government, describe term of office held by members of Board of Supervisors and districts they represent, how Chairman of Board of Supervisors is elected and term and...
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A Brief History of Fairfax County
Students begin the lesson by writing what they know about Fairfax County in their journals. Using primary source documents, they identify ten interesting facts about the area and watch a video. They complete a Venn Diagram comparing...
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Demography and Services of Fairfax County, Virginia
Twelfth graders are introduced to the demographics and services of Fairfax County, Virginia. In groups, they identify programs and services that should be supported by tax dollars and presnt them to the class in a PowerPoint presentation.
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Organization of Fairfax County Government
Students examine the various components of the Fairfax County government in Virginia. In groups, they describe the purpose of the Board of Supervisors and County Executive. They identify three constitutional officers and their...
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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' Meeting
Middle schoolers research the roles of the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County, Virginia. In a role-play activity, they practice making decisions for the county as if they were members of the Board. To end the lesson, they discuss...
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Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' Meeting
Students examine the role of the Board of Supervisors in Fairfax County, Virginia. In groups, they research their responsibilities to the community and role play in their own Board meeting. To end the lesson, they discuss how it can...
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The Diary of Col. William Fairfax Gray
Fourth graders examine facts and opinions given by William Fairfax Gray in his diary, compare and contrast ideas expressed in his diary, express opinions using correct language arts skills, and calculate answers to given mathematical...
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Mapping Fairfax County Service Providers
Middle schoolers brainstorm a list of services governments should have available to its citizens. Using the internet, they locate as many of these services as possible and compile a class list. They also analyze specific programs to...
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The Fairfax County Budget -- A Look At Spending
Students brainstorm a list of items that should be a priority for the government to help its citizens. Using an out of date budget, they identify individual line items and the conflicts involved in making a budget work. They discuss...
Curated OER
A Place Called Fairfax
Students use maps to locate Virginia, its surrounding states and Fairfax County. Individually, they describe the absolute and relative location of the county and why it is important to know both. As a class, they brainstorm the...
Curated OER
A Place Called Fairfax
Students are introduced to the various types of maps of Fairfax County, Virginia. Using the maps, they explain the relative and absolute locations of the county and discuss the importance of both. They also discover how the county is...
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Interconnections Between Private and Civic Life -- Focus on the County
Middle schoolers distinguish between civic and public life. In groups, they identify the relationships between the two types of arenas as well. They research the roles of the Fairfax County government and how well they provide...
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Exploring County Ordinances
Students discuss the purpose of county ordinances and view actual examples. In groups, they take the ordinances and describe how they are to protect the citizens of the county. They also discuss how interest groups affect policy making.
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Exploring County Ordinances
Students examine county ordinances, develop understanding of degree to which county government serves and regulates citizens, describe competing interests involved in making local political policy, and decide whether government should be...
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Interconnections Between Private and Civic Life -- Focus on the County
Middle schoolers discuss the connections between their lives and the government. In groups, they examine the roles that governments have in different societies throughout the world. They role-play the roles of County members in...
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The Meaning of Community
Students describe the word community as it applies to Fairfax County, Virginia. In groups, they brainstorm a list of words that are needed to have a strong community. They use the internet to assess the quality of life in the county...
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Analyzing Public Policy Opinions
Learners brainstorm a list of the major issues affecting Fairfax County, Virginia. Using the internet, they choose one topic to research in depth. To end the lesson, they analyze the effectiveness of an actual public policy proposal or...
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Analyzing Public Policy Options
Students discuss what is meant by the term "public policy". In groups, they use the internet to research a specific public policy issue affecting Fairfax County, Virginia. They analyze and report their findings of the effectiveness of...
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Influencing the Agenda: The Impact of Interest Groups on Policy Making
Students examine the role of interest groups and how they affect voters. In groups, they research how the groups have affected policy making in the county. They examine a specific issue and discover whether or not a vote was changed...
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A Look At Spending
Learners use an outdated budget to examine what the county spends its money on for its citizens. Using county information, they describe how the Board of Supervisors make budget decisions and how it can shape public policy. They also...