Iowa Public Television

This event is sponsored by the Iowa State Capitol Tour Guides.

Take an interactive virtual tour of the Iowa State Capitol via the ICN. In the session students explore the 118-year-old building from the rough-cut stone sub-basement to the golden dome. They are also exposed to the following:

• A brief introduction to the functions of the three branches of Iowa's government and a view of where each branch does its work
• A short lesson on the history of Iowa and its Statehouse
• A chance to experience the classical architecture and original ornamentation of the Iowa State Capitol

Sessions are designed to be highly interactive so please work with students to prepare thoughtful, appropriate questions.

Confirmed registrants receive a teacher guide including a curriculum based on the Iowa State Capitol, as well as interactive worksheets, games and puzzles. In addition, This Old Statehouse DVD produced and provided by Iowa Public Television is now available for duplication through your local AEA.

Session Related Web sites:

• Iowa General Assembly - Take a virtual tour of the capitol, learn about the three branches of government, and much more.
• This Old Statehouse - A Web site created by Iowa Public Television devoted to the restoration of the Iowa State Capital.

Related Lesson Plans and Units:

PBS LearningMedia, a dynamic platform offering the best of public media content and produced specifically for PreK-16 teachers. With free access to over 14,000 high-quality resources tied to national standards, teachers can download, save and share exactly what they need for an inspired classroom experience. Sign up is free and easy! Learn more about PBS LearningMedia.

PBS Teachers - PBS Teachers offers free lesson plans, professional development and more for preK-12 educators.

Applicable standards from McREL:

Civics Standards

Level III [Grade : 6-8]
1. Understands the primary responsibilities of each branch of government in a system of shared powers (e.g., legislative, executive, judicial) and ways in which each branch shares the powers and functions of the other branches

Level IV [Grade : 9-12]
1. Understands the major characteristics of systems of shared powers (e.g., in the United States and Brazil the executive, legislative, and judicial branches each have primary responsibility for certain functions and share some of the powers and functions of the other branches)

History Standards

Level II [Grades 3-4]
10. Understands how the ideas of significant people affected the history of the state.
11. Understands the unique historical conditions that influenced the formation of the state and how statehood was granted.

Standard 2: Understands the historical perspective

Level II [Grade : 5-6]
1. Knows how to view the past in terms of the norms and values of the time
2. Understands that specific individuals had a great impact on history
3. Understands that specific ideas had an impact on history
4. Understands that "chance events" had an impact on history
5. Understands that specific decisions and events had an impact on history
6. Evaluates historical fiction according to the accuracy of its content and the author's interpretation
7. Predicts how events might have turned out differently in one's local community if specific individuals or groups had chosen different courses of action

Classroom Resources:

The following related programs are available on IPTV's broadcast or from the AEAs: (Check the K-12 Classroom Television(www.iptv.org/k12catalog) Web site for broadcast dates and times.)

• MY AMERICA (Grade Level: 1-6)
• THE U.S. CONSTITUTION (Grade Level: Junior/Senior High)

Check out the Classroom Resources for additional materials prepared and compiled by IPTV K-12 Connections staff.

Only four 'interactive' sites will be scheduled for each session as these are very interactive. Videotaping is NOT available. Early registration is recommended.

Sessions are provided at no cost by Iowa Public Television in collaboration with the Iowa Communications Network to PK-12 students and the adults working with or on behalf of PK-12 students in Iowa. If you are not employed by a school district or an AEA please register at library sites only.