The Scope of Capital Hill: A Pictorial Tour of the U.S. Capitol

The Capitol Building
Washington, D.C.

Instructional Unit:
The overall objective of the project is to provide form an extensive learning experience in the classroom, reach a broad cross-section of students, and engage them towards a better understanding of the Federal Legislative Branch.

Curriculum Unit:
Grade 10, 11, 12
Social Studies

Objectives:
1. Identify the structural organizations of Congress.
2. Identify the leaders of Congress.
3. Differentiate between the roles of Congressional leadership.
4. Explain the legislative process.
5. List and define the roles played by the legislator.
6. Identify historical artifacts of the U.S. Capitol and Congress.
7. Explain the history of the structural design of the U.S. Capitol and its chambers.

Pre-Visit Activities:
The students will have completed the American Studies classes in order to have a solid background with the functions of Congress. Divide the class into three groups, House of Representative Team, Senate Team, and the Capitol Hill Historical Team. Each team will review its objectives and develop interview questions. Additionally, a storyboard design will occur to cover the photography.

On-site Activities:
The student teams will tour the Capitol and photograph the various aspects their storyboard addresses. During the tour, the Capitol Historical Society will provide information to the students. This will allow students to answer the question on the "Capitol Hill" worksheet. Each team will then conduct interviews with Virginia Senators and 8th District Congressional Representative, as previously planned.

Follow-Up Activities:
The students will compile their photos and information for the purpose of a presentation. Afterwards, there will be a "Question and Answer" session, as well as an instructor follow-up session with the students. Each team will give an oral presentation on their subject which will be graded by the instructor. Finally, a test will be given to the students.

Appendices:
Capitol Hill Worksheet

Bibliography:
Government in the United States -- Remy
An Insiders Guide to the Capitol -- Howard E. McCurdy
The Capitol -- U.S. Government Printing Office
The U.S. Congress Handbook -- Dave Pullen
The Walker's Washington Guide -- Guide Press
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