High-energy AP US Government and Politics students brought government to life for the visiting fifth graders from Peaslee Elementary School on March 5, leading breakout activities and interactive presentations to make complex government concepts clear and more engaging.
The three sections of AP Government were each assigned one branch of government: legislative, executive and judicial. Following a brief introduction in the library, the high schoolers and fifth-grade students split into smaller groups for presentations and activities. The trip concluded with an Electoral College-style vote to determine which branch the fifth graders believed to be the most important. The program, which is in its fourth year, is a favorite for both age groups.
“I think that this is an authentic opportunity for my students to try to take what can be complex constitutional issues, and make them understandable for a younger audience,” AP Government teacher Brian Kellett said.
Kellett added that this field trip is not only beneficial to deepen high schoolers’ understanding of important government concepts, but also to develop their presentation skills.
“There is an inherent value in new experiences and engaging in an authentic way,” Kellett said. “The experience allows high schoolers to learn a little bit more about themselves, their presentation abilities and their communication abilities.”
This positive impact also extends to the fifth-grade students.
“I have young kids myself, and fifth graders love it when they are given opportunities to do new things that are outside their routine and hear from a new audience,” Kellett said.
Kellett also noted that this trip is a positive preview for fifth graders who may come to Algonquin in a few years.
“Coming to the high school is an exciting thing for them,” Kellett said. “Thinking about what their future might hold here at Algonquin and coming to this place could just be a valuable experience in general.”
Although Kellett hopes that the young students learn new material from the presentations and discussion questions, he emphasized that having fun is important, too.
“I hope they remember the interactions they had with the high school students,” Kellett said. “They’re probably going to remember some of the material, but it’s more likely that over time they’ll remember their experiences and the positive interactions and the fun activities with the older kids.”
Kellett recalled numerous heartwarming moments from the field trip over the years, including when a high schooler made a special connection with a student who was struggling, walking him through each exercise.
“That’s the sort of reaction I think anyone would be happy to see,” Kellett said. “Kids are watching out for other kids.”
Sophomore Jane Campbell really enjoyed the field trip, especially bonding with the fifth graders.
“I really liked connecting with kids, just with common interests,” Campbell said. “I also really liked how, while talking with them, I was able to educate them about the government.”
For students who will take part in the field trip in the coming years, Campbell shares the importance of treating the fifth graders with respect while maintaining a positive environment.
“Make sure to know what you’re talking about, because fifth graders are capable of correcting you,” Campbell said. “Also, just be confident and conscious of what you are saying.”
One of Kellett’s favorite parts of the field trip is the energy that each group of high school students brings to make this event memorable.
“There’s a lot of energy,” Kellett said. “Sometimes it’s as simple as the greeting when they’re walking down with a police escort from Peaslee. When, at the end, [the fifth graders are] trying to make their decisions about which branch they think is most important and debating with one another, that was a lot of fun too.”
Although the trip requires significant planning in advance, Kellett hopes that it will continue in the future, since it is exciting for all involved.
“I hope we can keep doing it,” Kellett said. “I think that anytime we can do things across schools and across communities, and we are making the most of what the school district has to offer, is a great opportunity.”
