What Are Civics Matters Modules?
Overview
Civics Matters Arizona Learning Modules are a supplemental civic learning resource designed to help students connect civic knowledge to real-world decision-making, leadership, and community engagement.
Schools may use Civics Matters as:
- An optional classroom enrichment resource
- A short-term classroom or advisory experience
- An extracurricular or club-based activity
- A pilot or supplemental civic learning tool
- An independent or small-group learning experience
Civics Matters Arizona Learning Modules are not a full curriculum and can be used without replacing existing instructional materials.
Flexible Ways Schools Are Using Civics Matters Modules
Schools may integrate Civics Matters in ways that fit their local context and approval requirements:
- Social studies or government classes
- Advisory or homeroom periods
- Civics, leadership, or student council programs
- AVID or college-and-career readiness courses
- After-school clubs or enrichment blocks
- Independent or self-paced student learning
Because Civics Matters is a supplemental, optional resource, many schools are able to pilot or use it without formal governing board adoption.
Spotlight: Module 1
Citizen — Foundations of Democracy
Grade Band: 6–12 Estimated Time: ~3 hours (flexible pacing)
Module 1 introduces students to civic participation through a fictionalized Arizona-based scenario that mirrors real community decision-making.
Students explore:
- How citizens participate in local decisions
- The relationship between rights and responsibilities
- How debates about liberty and order continue today
- How civic choices influence local policy and community outcomes
The module emphasizes student choice, reflection, and perspective-taking, allowing learners to experience civic decision-making rather than memorize content.
Arizona Content Standards Alignment
Module 1 aligns with Arizona History & Social Science Standards, including:
Grades 6–8 Civics
- Civic participation and community decision-making
- Rights, roles, and responsibilities of residents
- Constitutional protections and democratic values
Grades 9–12 Government
- Civic participation and public policy influence
- First Amendment freedoms
- Local, state, and national governance
Arizona-Specific Civics
- Arizona Constitution (Article 2: Declaration of Rights)
- Preparation for required Arizona Civics Test concepts
Easy Classroom Integration
Before the Module (5–10 minutes)
- Short discussion on fairness, rights, and responsibilities
- No prep or materials required
During the Module
- Students navigate interactive scenarios at their own pace
- Teachers can pause for discussion or comparison of choices
After the Module (10–20 minutes)
- Reflection questions connect decisions to real civic life
- Optional discussion on Arizona constitutional protections
Optional Extensions
- Student council or policy simulation
- Primary source comparison (U.S. Constitution & AZ Constitution)
Why Schools Choose Civics Matters Modules
- ✓ Free and accessible for grades 6–12
- ✓ Nonpartisan and standards-aligned
- ✓ Designed for flexible classroom use
- ✓ Supports civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions
- ✓ Builds student voice, empathy, and leadership readiness
- ✓ Connects classroom learning to real-world civic action
- ✓ Current 9–11th grade students who complete modules are eligible to complete a Civics Leadership Challenge project for a chance to go on an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C.
Getting Started Is Easy
Teachers can register their classroom on the Civics Matters Learning Hub to access:
- Interactive modules
- A dashboard to track student participation
- First access to future Civics Matters events and eligibility to be selected as a trip school, guaranteeing your school spots on the annual Washington, D.C. trip
No long-term commitment required. Schools may start with one module and expand if desired.
How to Use Module 1 in the Classroom
After the ‘Engage’ Section (10–20 minutes)
Post-Engage Discussion Questions:
- Which value guided your choice: liberty, order, or compromise? Why?
- How did hearing multiple perspectives change your decision?
- How does the Arizona Constitution protect your ability to gather, protest, or share ideas?
- What does it mean to be an informed citizen in your community?
- What happens when no one participates in local decisions?
During the Module (30–60 minutes)
- Students watch/read/listen to the resource.
- Students complete the short-answer reflection questions immediately after.
- Do a fast share-out:
- One takeaway
- One question you still have
After the Module (15–20 minutes)
Post-Module Discussion Questions:
- What new idea about civic participation or citizenship stood out to you from the module resources?
- How do different perspectives or sources help deepen understanding of civic issues?
- What responsibilities do citizens have beyond voting, based on what you learned in the module?
- How do historical or constitutional principles continue to shape civic life today?
- What is one takeaway from the module that feels relevant to your school, community, or everyday life?
Optional Written Reflection: Using one resource from the module, explain how it helped you better understand what it means to be an informed and engaged citizen.
Module Extension Activities
A. Student Council Simulation
Students form teams to propose three versions of a Riverview Park policy, then vote on them.
B. Primary Source Mini-Study
Students examine:
- First Amendment (U.S. Constitution)
- Arizona Constitution Article 2 (Declaration of Rights)
Then answer:
- How are the protections similar or different?
