This document outlines a teaching unit on government using the backward design model. The first section focuses on the unit theme of government and describes the desired learning outcomes which are for students to understand the different types and roles of government in Trinidad and Tobago. Assessment tasks are proposed, including creating an organizational chart of government and debating the necessity of government. The subsequent sections describe additional unit themes on family, landforms, natural resources, and our nation that are not explained in detail. Each unit theme follows the backward design framework of identifying desired results, proposed assessments, and learning plans.

1. Teaching Unit
Using the Backward Design
Model
Based on the Principles of Understanding by
Design
By
Wiggins & McThighe
Unit Subject: Social Studies

2. Table of Content
Government Family
LandformsOur
Nation
Natural
Resources

3. 1. Unit Theme/Concept: Government
Stage 1 – Desired Results
What students should know, understand and be able to do
General Understandings:
Students will understand that:
There are different types of government in Trinidad and Tobago
That government plays an important role in the development of a country.
The different branches of the government serve different purposes
Students will know:
The functions of the government
That there is a state government and local government
That there are three branches of state government and each has a specific
function.
There is an electoral process for choosing a government

4. 1. Unit Theme: Government
Stage 1 – Desired Results
What students should know, understand and be able to do
Objectives:
Using outlined resources, students will:
1. Describe the functions of a government
2. Demonstrate the operations of a government
3. Name and describe the types of government found in Trinidad and
Tobago
4. Analyze the roles of the different branches of government
Essential Questions: Why is a government important to a
country; and how does a country function with a
government in place.

5. Stage 2 Assessment Evidence
Activities that will indicate that students have achieved the desired results
Performance Tasks
•Create an organizational chart of
the government (Session 1)
•Debate on “Government is and
always will be a non- essential
element in a country.”
•Create a video on duties of head of
one of the branches (Executive,
Legislative, Judicial)
•Create a brochure on the functions
of a local government.
Role play the state electoral process
Other Evidences
•Weekly Tests
•Home Assignment: write a report on
this week’s parliament session
Channel 11 7:00

6. Stage 3: Learning Plan
The learning experiences (methods/strategies/activities) and materials that will
enable learners to achieve the desired results. Use the WHERETO principle
Learning Activities:
•Students will work in groups of threes or fives to research given
topics. Expert Jigsaw Cooperative learning strategy will be utilized
•A field trip will be planed for learners to observe the judicial and
executive operations in context.
•Discussion on learner’s participation and progress and revision
via peer & teacher counseling
•Rubrics will be provided for students to evaluate each other
performance
Several activities will be used to target the multiple intelligences
and learning styles (tasks rotation technique), demonstrations,
jingles

7. Stage 3: Learning Plan
The learning experiences (methods/strategies/activities) and materials that will
enable learners to achieve the desired results. Use the WHERETO principle
Teaching & Learning Materials:
Videos of parliamentary proceeding, newspaper, posters and charts,
PowerPoint , Audio recordings, Social Studies text, chapter or pages….

8. 2. Unit Theme: Family
Stage 1 – Desired Results
What students should know, understand and be able to do
General Understandings:
Essential Questions:
Objectives:
Knowledge/ Content:

9. Stage 2 Assessment Evidence
Activities that will indicate that students have achieved the desired results
Performance Tasks Other Evidences

10. Stage 3: Learning Plan
The learning experiences (methods/strategies) and materials that will enable
learners to achieve the desired results. Use the WHERETO principle
Teaching & Learning Materials:
Methods/Strategies:

11. 3. Unit Theme:
Stage 1 – Desired Results
What students should know, understand and be able to do
General Understandings:
Essential Questions:
Objectives:
Knowledge/ Content:

12. Stage 2 Assessment Evidence
Activities that will indicate that students have achieved the desired results
Performance Tasks Other Evidences

13. Stage 3: Learning Plan
The learning experiences (methods/strategies) and materials that will enable
learners to achieve the desired results. Use the WHERETO principle
Teaching & Learning Materials:
Methods/Strategies:

14. 4. Unit Theme:
Stage 1 – Desired Results
What students should know, understand and be able to do
General Understandings:
Essential Questions:
Objectives:
Knowledge/ Content:

15. Stage 2 Assessment Evidence
Activities that will indicate that students have achieved the desired results
Performance Tasks Other Evidences

16. Stage 3: Learning Plan
The learning experiences (methods/strategies) and materials that will enable
learners to achieve the desired results. Use the WHERETO principle
Teaching & Learning Materials:
Methods/Strategies:

17. 5. Unit Theme:
Stage 1 – Desired Results
What students should know, understand and be able to do
General Understandings:
Essential Questions:
Objectives:
Knowledge/ Content:

18. Stage 2 Assessment Evidence
Activities that will indicate that students have achieved the desired results
Performance Tasks Other Evidences

19. Stage 3: Learning Plan
The learning experiences (methods/strategies) and materials that will enable
learners to achieve the desired results. Use the WHERETO principle
Teaching & Learning Materials:
Methods/Strategies: