Craig and I researched and discussed the Barbary War, the Barbary pirates, and the book "Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates" by Brian Kilmeade. We have decided to read this book in class. We looked to maps and research to learn about this "forgotten war." Afterwards, we discussed how the founding fathers succeeded in limiting government - checks and balances and the separation of powers. We reviewed the structure of the government, the three branches of government and their powers, and the organization of our Constitution. We watched SchoolHouse Rock "How a Bill becomes a Law" at Craig's request - again! Afterwards, we played a board game that challenged him with geography and civics trivia and facts (in preparation for standardized testing)!