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Lesson Plan Image

10 Downing Street

Students will learn about the offices and residence of the prime minister of the United Kingdom and create a 3D replica of 10 Downing Street.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Craft Materials
  • Heavy Paper
  • Paper
  • Recycled Cardboard Box
  • Recycled Foam Tray

Steps

  • Step 1

    10 Downing Street in London has been associated with the prime minister of the United Kingdom since the early 18th century when the office/title was established. It has served as the prime minister's home continuously since 1902. Have students investigate its origins and functions. Who inhabited the area of 10 Downing Street 1,000 years ago? What is the history of Whitehall Palace, the first official residence on the site? Who was the first prime minister? How are modern prime ministers elected? What are the powers of the prime minister? Does the sovereign (king or queen) have any say in the prime minister's parliament?

  • Step 2

    Have students look at images of 10 Downing Street, noted for its black door and painted black brick facade. Then ask them to create a 3D replica using recycled cardboard or a part of a recycled cardboard box. They can create the background on paper then glue it onto the cardboard background. They can make embellishments with items such as recycled foam trays, pieces of corrugated cardboard, or other craft items. They can cut figures out of heavy paper.

  • Step 3

    When their art is complete, have students present their 3D replicas and discuss what they learned about the prime minister's residence and responsibilities and how they compare and contrast with the US president's responsibilities and the White House.

Standards

LA: Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.

LA: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

LA: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade level topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

LA: Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace.

SS: Explain the purpose of government.

SS: Give examples of how government does or does not provide for the needs and wants of people, establish order and security, and manage conflict.

VA: Intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of experiences and ideas.

VA: Select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of ideas.

Adaptations

Have students research the government of the United Kingdom, which comprises England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. What are the two houses of the British Parliament? How are members of parliament elected? What positions are appointed on advice from the sovereign? Does the sovereign have any say in acts of parliament?

The island of Ireland is split into Northern Ireland (which is part of the United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland (which is an independent sovereign nation). Have students learn about their history. When did they become two separate entities? What are their political differences? What was the Good Friday Agreement of 1998?