1. This lesson provides an excellent forum for teaching interviewing skills.  Most politicians love to talk and would be more than willing to grant a student an interview, so the attached student page contains a list of possible questions to get your budding reporters started!

2. Another possible writing assignment can go with the  White House for Kids site .    It has a novel  approach to government history,  relating historical moments through the eyes of six White House pets.  Possibly groups could be set up to "dig" through each of the sites for information and then share the most interesting facts with the rest of the class.  Keep in mind, that they are trying to find ways in which our participation in government is encouraged.

Of course the ultimate field trip to those who live near Albany, is to actually go to the State Government buildings there and meet with your Assembly Members and Senators, but the rest of us will have to depend on more local government offices.  If you can't walk or take a bus to your local government seat, most elected officials will gladly come to your room and speak to the students!  Use the student page link above for possible questions to guide your visit.

And if all else fails, the State website has a wonderful, live broadcast of Senate proceedings that the children can see! http://www.senate.state.ny.us/   Click on the Watch the Senate on Your Computer! 

A very useful site for hands on exploration of government can be found at http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/kids/   On this page, there are numerous activities for the students to do such as coloring book pages,  word searches, and more importantly taking a virtual tour of the Assembly.  Capitol Minutes is a short video changed frequently to show historic moments in history.

Other useful sites can be found below:

New York State Gov: http://www.state.ny.us/  

New York Senate: http://www.senate.state.ny.us/

New York State Assembly: http://assembly.state.ny.us/  

Unites States House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/

Unites States Senate:  http://www.senate.gov/

Whatever activities you choose from above, remember to always emphasize the question:  How can you be more involved in the decision making process of your government?

Good luck and have fun!!!