Clarification 1: Students will identify independent regulatory agencies (e.g., Federal Communications Commission, Federal Election Commission, National Labor Relations Board) and explain their purpose and effect.
Clarification 2: Students will describe the advantages and disadvantages of delegating power to independent regulatory agencies.
Access Point Number | Access Point Title |
SS.912.CG.3.AP.5 | Recognize how independent regulatory agencies interact with the three branches of government and with citizens. |
Name | Description |
The Regulation of Nuclear Waste | In this lesson, students are presented with the problems facing the disposal of high-level nuclear waste produced at nuclear power plants along with the government agencies that regulate the nuclear waste. After learning about several disposal options, students research the pros and cons of one of these options and present their findings to the class. The class "votes" on which option they would choose if they were part of a government agency that regulated nuclear waste disposal and discuss current disposal options being debated among various government regulatory agencies. |
Who Is the F.C.C.? | In this lesson students will examine the history of the Federal Communications Commission to include when the FCC was created, the legislation passed to create the agency, its purpose, how it has changed over the years and expanded as technology has advanced, and how it continues to be used today. Students will also create a billboard demonstrating their understanding of the F.C.C. and their role in society since its creation. |
Biotechnology (Genetically Modified Organisms) and Government Part 2 | This is Lesson 2 of a 3-lesson series on Biotechnology and Government. Students develop a deep understanding of the effect of biotechnology on the individual, society, and environment. Several examples of Genetically Modified Organisms are reviewed. Laboratory procedures for how GMOs are made are not included. Students have the misconception that Genetically modified organisms are not evaluated and monitored for safety. Students will learn the cooperative roles that the Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency have in approving a GMO. Lesson 1 – Introduction and scaffolding. **Lesson 2 – Deepening understanding and practice. Lesson 3 – Apply what has been learned. |
Biotechnology (Genetically Modified Organisms) and Government Part 1 | Students have the misconception that Genetically Modified foods are sold without an evaluation of safety, regulation, or monitoring. Students will learn what Genetically Modified Organisms are. Specific examples of Bt Toxin and Herbicide Resistance genes are highlighted. Laboratory techniques are not discussed. Students will analyze a graph showing Bt corn, Bt cotton, and Herbicide Tolerant corn, soybean, and cotton use has increased from 15 percent in 1996 to 90 percent in 2022. Students will learn the need for regulating agencies, and where they fit within government organization. Students will learn that the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency work together to evaluate GMOs and approve for use. |
Carbon Footprint: Part 1 | In this interactive lesson, students will understand the concept of carbon footprint and its role in climate change. Students learn how to measure their carbon footprint using an online carbon footprint calculator. This tool allows them to assess the environmental impact of their daily activities. Students will explore some effective strategies and actions aimed at reducing their carbon footprint. They will be able to recognize the responsibilities of citizens and the government to help create a greener future. |
Independent Regulatory Agency Interactions | In this lesson plan, students will explore the interactions between the branches of the government, independent regulatory agencies, the American people, and industry. |
The Most Powerful “Branch?” - Checks and Balances and the Bureaucracy | In this lesson plan, students will learn about the federal bureaucracy and the ways the three branches of government can guide, check, and expand the bureaucracy. |
Who Regulates It?: The Government’s Role in Biotechnology | Students will learn about some applications of various biotechnology advancements by reading a series of scenarios. They will evaluate some ethical, legal, and moral implications of biotechnology, including if or how it can be regulated by the government in this integrated lesson plan. |
Name | Description |
The National Labor Relations Board | Learn about the history, purpose, and impact of the National Labor Relations Board with this interactive tutorial. |
Name | Description |
Grades 9-12 Civics Family Guide: Standard 3 | This Grades 9-12 Civics Family Guide provides some ideas and activities to support civics education when at home, out and about, and in the community. The activities provided align to the civics learning benchmarks within Standard 3 at these grade levels. |
Name | Description |
The National Labor Relations Board: | Learn about the history, purpose, and impact of the National Labor Relations Board with this interactive tutorial. |
Name | Description |
Grades 9-12 Civics Family Guide: Standard 3: | This Grades 9-12 Civics Family Guide provides some ideas and activities to support civics education when at home, out and about, and in the community. The activities provided align to the civics learning benchmarks within Standard 3 at these grade levels. |