Capital Command
Washington, D.C. Adventure
A powerful disturbance has been detected at the center of the United States government.
Ari Raider is receiving unstable readings from the Federal Core Vault, where the nation’s capital coordinates lawmaking, leadership, and constitutional decisions. The Professor has interfered with the systems that explain how Washington, D.C. works and hidden a specimen inside a sealed Mystery Mine. To restore balance, students must investigate the capital’s location, major government buildings, branches of power, and how citizens participate in civic life.
This adventure turns social studies into a story driven mission focused on government, civic spaces, and how democracy functions.
Capital Command: Washington, D.C. Social Studies Adventure
A story driven social studies adventure where students explore Washington, D.C., investigate the capital’s location, government branches, key buildings, and civic participation, and restore balance in the Federal Core Vault by answering questions and unlocking the Mystery Mine.
Adventure Overview
Setting: The Federal Core Vault
Story Hook: Ari Raider detects a disturbance in the nation’s capital caused by the Professor.
Student Mission: Explore capital zones, answer questions correctly, and unlock the Mystery Mine.
Mission Objective: Discover. Identify. Collect.
Grade Levels: 3–5
Time: 30–60 minutes
Lesson Plan
Objective: Students will explain why Washington, D.C. is the U.S. capital, identify the three branches of government and their roles, and describe how civic spaces and citizens support democracy.
- Engage: Introduce Washington, D.C. as the nation’s capital and the center of federal government.
- Explore: Students progress through three zones by answering questions about location, branches of government, and civic life.
- Explain: Discuss the Capitol, White House, Supreme Court, and how separate powers create balance.
- Extend: Connect monuments, memorials, and the National Mall to civic memory and public voice.
- Evaluate: Use the Knowledge Check and discussion questions for review and reflection.
Teaching Guide
- Use as a guided class adventure, independent activity, or social studies center rotation.
- Pause after each zone to connect story clues to real government roles and vocabulary.
- Emphasize that the three branches have separate powers to prevent one branch from controlling everything.
- Discuss how the National Mall is a civic space for learning, events, and public expression.
- Optional: Students create a “Branch Roles Chart” listing each branch and its main job.
Vocabulary
- Capital: The city where a government is based.
- Federal government: The national government of the United States.
- Legislative branch: The branch that makes laws.
- Executive branch: The branch that enforces laws.
- Judicial branch: The branch that interprets laws.
- Congress: The lawmaking group made up of the Senate and House of Representatives.
- Constitution: The highest set of rules for the United States government.
- Civic participation: Ways citizens take part in government and community life.
Knowledge Check: Questions & Answers
Zone 1: Foundations of the Capital Zone
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Q: What role does Washington, D.C. serve in the United States?
A: It is the capital and center of federal government -
Q: Where is Washington, D.C. located?
A: Along the Potomac River -
Q: Why is Washington, D.C. not part of any state?
A: It was created as a neutral federal district
Zone 2: Branches of Government Hall
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Q: Which branch of government creates national laws?
A: The legislative branch -
Q: Where does Congress meet to debate and pass laws?
A: The United States Capitol -
Q: What is the role of the Supreme Court?
A: To interpret the Constitution and laws
Zone 3: Civic Life and Representation Chambers
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Q: What is the National Mall used for?
A: Museums national events and demonstrations -
Q: How do citizens influence government decisions?
A: Through voting and civic participation -
Q: What is unique about Washington, D.C.’s representation in Congress?
A: Residents have limited voting representation
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think the United States created a capital that is not part of any state?
- How do the three branches of government keep power balanced?
- Why are monuments and memorials important to civic learning?
- How can citizens participate in democracy beyond voting?
- What do you think makes a city an important national symbol?
Classroom Transformation Ideas
- Create a “Federal Core Vault” classroom zone with maps, building images, and a mission evidence board.
- Set up three stations labeled “Legislative,” “Executive,” and “Judicial” for quick role reminders.
- Use painter’s tape to outline the National Mall as a central classroom pathway.
- Play quiet city ambience or museum ambience during the adventure.
- Assign roles like “Capitol Reporter,” “Court Analyst,” or “Civic Historian.”
DIY Excavation Activity
No-mess option:
- Hide a small object or “civic token” in a paper cup.
- Cover it with shredded paper or crumpled paper to represent archives and storage.
- Students excavate carefully using a spoon or craft stick and record observations.
- Have students explain which branch of government might protect or interpret the item and why.
Standards Alignment
- Describe the roles of the three branches of government.
- Explain how laws are made and enforced in the United States.
- Identify how citizens participate in civic life and democracy.
- Use evidence to explain why national symbols and civic spaces matter.
Free Printable Trading Cards
Download free printable trading cards that match Capital Command. Each card reinforces Washington, D.C. and government concepts used in the adventure and supports collection based learning.