U.S. Government

Because our U.S. government is a democracy “of the people, by the people, and for the people,” we as citizens play an important role in how our country is run. Through our votes, we elect officials and voice our opinions on legislation. Learn about the powers of the president, Congress and Supreme Court and discover how you can be a more informed citizen through these direct links on The Times Launch Point Web site: https://www.latimes.com/launchpoint

Level 1

Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids: To provide a balanced system of power, the United States government consists of three branches: executive (president and vice president), legislative (Senate and House of Representatives) and judicial (Supreme Court). Find out how laws are made and what it takes to become a U.S. citizen through this site, which has historical documents and information on government symbols.

https://bensguide.gpo.gov/

The PBS Kids Democracy Project: Why do we need government? How does the government affect our daily lives? Find out about these topics and more, such as what it’s like inside a voting booth and what it would be like to be president for a day.

https://www.pbs.org/democracy/kids/

U.S.A. Government: Discover why our government is both a democracy and a republic as you learn how our government works. Find out about the system of checks and balances, read such important documents as the U.S. Constitution, and try some fun projects such as writing to a member of Congress.

https://pittsford.monroe.edu/Schools/Jefferson/GOVERNMENT/GovFrame.html

Level 2

Teen Gov: How does the electoral college work? Who selects Supreme Court judges? Find out through this multimedia site, which describes what takes place in the White House, the Supreme Court and the Capitol building. It also discusses the powers of state and local governments.

https://www.teengov.org/

Grolier’s Online: The American Presidency: Access video and audio clips as you learn about the U.S. presidency. Read informative articles on a range of topics including the Constitution, elections, political parties and voting rights.

https://gi.grolier.com/presidents/

U.S. Supreme Court Multimedia Database: Experience the sights and sounds of the Supreme Court as you listen to court cases and take a virtual tour of the Supreme Court building. Find out about past and present justices and use a searchable database to look up landmark cases.

https://oyez.nwu.edu/

Level 3

THOMAS: Legislative Information on the Internet: Read up on proposed legislation, research the voting record of your representatives in Congress, and read the Congressional Record through this site, which posts current information on legislators, legislation and the lawmaking process.

https://thomas.loc.gov/

The American President: Access essays, historical documents, biographies and photos that trace the history of U.S. presidents and learn about the campaign process through an online simulation game.

https://www.americanpresident.org/home6.htm

C-SPAN: Listen to proceedings in the Senate and the House of Representatives and keep up to date on current issues and legislation through this site, which features congressional resources and Supreme Court justice profiles.

https://www.c-span.org/

EXPLORER’S QUEST

Find What You Need to Know: Have a project on California history? Need help doing a math problem? Launch Point covers more than 150 topics for getting your schoolwork done. Go to https://www.latimes.com/launchpoint/ for the full list of subjects and direct links to the best Internet sites.

Answer to last week’s Quest: Emily Dickinson wrote 1,775 poems.

Starting next Wednesday, the education page will take on a new format reflecting the diversity of school issues around the region. Certain features will be discontinued, such as the “From the Front of the Classroom” column and television and activities listings. Though the Launch Point column will no longer appear on this page, its educational Web sites for more than 150 academic topics will still be found on The Times Internet site at https://www.latimes.com/launchpoint/

This week’s top educational programs on Orange County’s public TV station KOCE Channel 50. Check local listings for your channel number.

Grades 1-6

“Reading Rainbow,” noon-12:30 p.m. Friday and Monday. Come-alive versions of children’s stories encourage young viewers to turn to books for entertainment and enlightenment. The story featured Friday: “Borreguita and the Coyote.” VCR 315549 Monday’s story: “Animal Cafe.” VCR 762262

Kindergarten-Grade 3

“Here’s How,” 9-10 a.m. Thursday. In a straightforward, documentary style with commentary from animated characters, each program examines a process or invention from historical background to modern manufacturing or construction. Some of the items include crayons, markers, clocks, watches, the post office, roads, bridges, houses and newspapers. VCR 607609

Kindergarten-Grade 6

“Animal Families,” 10 a.m.-noon, Monday. This program introduces youngsters to the animal kingdom. Animals featured are the praying mantis, monkey, crayfish, chicken, swan, frog, dragonfly, butterfly, cow, horse, swallow and wasp. VCR 408552

Grades 4-12

“Environmental Weekly,” 9-11:30 a.m. Today. A series of environmental education programs is designed to enhance the scientific/environmental literacy of students. The segments presented today: “Energy Efficiency I,” “Recycling/Buying Recycled Products,” “Energy Efficiency II,” “Sustainable Communities” and “Special Waste.” VCR 325227

OPEN HOUSE: Soka University, Orange County’s newest four-year college, will host an open house Saturday at its campus in Aliso Viejo. Classes will start in August. Self-guided tours begin at 9 a.m.; also included are question-and-answer sessions and an ice cream social. 1 University Drive. Information: https://www.soka.edu or (949) 480-4000.

TESTING: SAT 1 and SAT 2 tests, required for admission to many universities, will be offered June 2. May 9 is the deadline for late registration. Registration materials are available through high school guidance offices. The tests are offered at many high schools. Information: https://www.collegeboard.com.

OCC APPLICATIONS: Applications for students planning to enroll at Orange Coast College for the first time this fall are available in the college’s admissions and records office. Fall classes begin Aug. 27. The office is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 432-5072.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT: The Rancho Mission Viejo Land Conservancy is hosting a family astronomy night May 26. Telescopes will be available for viewing star clusters, craters of the moon and other celestial sights. $8 adults, $6 children 8 and older. Not recommended for younger children. 8:30-10:30 p.m. Information, reservations and directions: (949) 489-9778.

Launch Point is produced by the UC Irvine department of education, which reviews each site for appropriateness and quality. Even so, parents should supervise their children’s use of the Internet. This column was designed by Jennifer Fu, Kristin Pyle, Thaddeus Richards and Anna Manring.