The Law – Civic Skills
Attorney Rich Lumley uses critical thinking and empathy in law as he researches, negotiates, and encourages understanding.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Prosecutor vs. Public Defender?
Learn the roles of prosecutors and public defenders and how they work together in Washington State’s justice system.
Discussion Questions
Youth Sports – Civic Skills
Coach Purcell Parker uses youth sports for life lessons. He focuses on personal and civic development, and the long-term journey of youth.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Difference Between Civil vs. Criminal?
Explore the difference between criminal and civil cases and how Washington State courts handle each.
Discussion Questions
Science – Civic Skills
Matt Dehr connects science to civic life by highlighting his team’s work sharing weather awareness for wildfire prevention and coordination.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Public Testimony
Learn how public testimony works in Washington State and how citizens can share their voices during legislative hearings.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Public Programs Manager – Civic Skills
Ecological programs manager, Brianna Klein helps extend environmental awareness and ecological literacy across the community.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Legislative Committees
Understand the role of legislative committees, how they are structured, and how power and perspective can shape policy.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
12. The Floor: What is Decorum??
Learn what decorum means on the legislative floor and how rules guide respectful debate in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Capitol Classroom Highlights
Explore highlights from Capitol Classroom and learn about Washington State’s legislative process from volunteer lobbyists.
Multiple Videos
Unit
Early Learning & Human Services (2026)
Explore human services policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Civil Rights & Judiciary (2025)
Explore civil rights policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Using the Bill Info Page
Learn how to use the Washington State bill info page to track sponsors, votes, amendments, and key legislative details.
Unit
2026 Tech For Teens – Legislative Branch Explained
Follow real WA bills on AI and social media to see how ideas become law—from hearings to debate, votes, and the governor’s desk.
Multiple Videos
Running a Campaign – Civic Skills
Political campaign manager, Chirag Vedullapalli shares how navigating disagreements and hard work teaches effective collaboration.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Initiative Process
Learn from UW Law scholar, Hugh Spitzer, how WAs initiative process works, and the benefits and potential pitfalls of the initiative process
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Coming Together Again: Therapeutic Courts in WA
Explore therapeutic courts in Washington State and how they support recovery and reduce recidivism.
Discussion Questions
4. The Three Branches
Learn how the three branches of government work together through checks and balances in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
How to Watch a Televised Debate
Improve your debate analysis skills by learning note-taking techniques that help track and evaluate arguments.
Discussion Questions
17. Concurrence & Dispute
Learn how concurrence and dispute resolve bill differences between chambers in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
3. What is the Legislature?
Learn what the Washington State Legislature is, how it works, and how sessions and bienniums are structured.
Discussion Questions
5. The Legislative Process
Learn the steps of the legislative process in Washington State and how bills become law.
Discussion Questions
Community Based Florist – Civic Skills
Florist Katie Watkins uses her business to support the local economy. She fosters civic connection and stewards community connection.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Visual Storytelling – Civic Skills
Filmmaker Derek Bradfield Nguyen uses visual storytelling to show how people live in community, building civic familiarity.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Health Care & Wellness (2025)
Explore healthcare policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address access and affordability.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Fiscal Committees
Learn how fiscal committees in Washington State review bills with financial impact and why they are critical in the lawmaking process.
Discussion Questions
7. Policy Committees
Learn how policy committees work in Washington State and how bills move through hearings and executive sessions.
Discussion Questions
The State Budget(s)
Learn about Washington State’s three budgets—Operating, Capital, and Transportation—and how they reflect government priorities.
Discussion Questions
Unit
How a Bill Becomes a Law in Washington State
In 9–10 class periods, students explore lawmaking in WA, issues they care about, legislative action, civic engagement, and bipartisanship.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Documentary
Mariachi Huenachi
Follow immigrant students overcoming challenges through music in Wenatchee’s Mariachi Huenachi program.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Finding Common Ground
Examine different ways that tribal nations, the Washington State government, and other stakeholders have come together to navigate conflict.
Lesson Plan
SERIES
Elections Explained
Learn how elections work in Washington State - Each video can stand alone, and is accompanied with a lesson plan, or view as a series.
Multiple Videos
Finding My Legislator and District
Learn how to find your Washington State legislative district and connect with your elected representatives.
Institutional Mission – Civic Skills
Director Bob Davidson centered the Seattle Aquarium on a clear mission, helping to lead the institution through years of community growth.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
K12 Education (2026)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
K12 Education (2025)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
SERIES
Legacy Videos
Some legacy educational modules explaining the different aspects of the Legislative Branch and Washington State Government.
Multiple Videos
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Learn the role of Washington State’s Superintendent of Public Instruction and how OSPI supports public schools.
Lesson Plan
The Rules Committee
Learn how the Rules Committee decides which bills reach the floor in Washington State’s legislative process.
Discussion Questions
WA Republican State Convention
Explore and influence of party conventions, how they are structured, and the role of delegates in shaping the electoral process.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Floor Debate
Learn how floor debates work in Washington State and the rules that guide discussion, amendments, and voting on legislation.
Discussion Questions
The Code Reviser
Explore the Code Reviser’s role in Washington State and how bills are drafted, reviewed, and prepared for the legislative process.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Pre-Legislative Session Class Primer
Prepare your students to follow and engage in the legislative process with this two day pre-legislative session primer.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
2026 Short Session Look Ahead
Get ready for Washington State’s 2026 short session and learn how the biennium shapes legislative priorities and timelines.
Lesson Plan
More Than Their Crimes: Reforming Juvenile Justice in Washington State
Explore juvenile justice reform in Washington State and youth voices behind SB 6160 at Green Hill School.
Discussion Questions
Legislative Committees
How do legislative committees shape lawmaking in Washington State? Learn how bills move, change, or die in committee.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Judicial Branch Explained
Explore Washington State’s courts, from trial courts to the Supreme Court, and learn how judges, juries, and justice work together.
Multiple Videos
Unit
Party Conventions Unit
In this jigsawed activity, students compare and contrast the conventions, determining who is involved in each event and investigating...
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
The Second Half
Learn how bills move through the second chamber in Washington State and why amendments and timing shape their chances of passing.
Discussion Questions
Environmental Education – Civic Skills
Artist Tony Angell focuses on pathways for youth to explore and develop their personal and civic connection to the environment.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Starcia
Explore Starcia’s journey from addiction and crime to redemption in this Emmy Award-winning documentary.
Discussion Questions
16. The State Budget(s)
Learn about Washington State’s three budgets and how lawmakers plan and fund government priorities.
Discussion Questions
NTIB – Necessary To Implement the Budget
Learn what NTIB bills are and why some Washington State legislation can bypass standard cutoff deadlines.
Discussion Questions
Local History – Civic Skills
TV Host, Knute Berger uses local history to root us in place and inform context in our civic process.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
How to Become a Precinct Committee Officer
How to become a Precinct Committee Officer - There are many vacancies and you are needed!
Discussion Questions
Organizing – Civic Skills
Riley Irish organizes for health equity. They build community leadership and partner for meaningful change.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Juvenile Courts – WA Courts
Explore juvenile courts in Washington State and how they focus on rehabilitation for youth offenders.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Connection to Place – Civic Skills
Author Sheryl Harmer uses empathy to connect to place and gain perspective. She shares how this is essential for democracy.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Superior Court – WA Courts
Learn how Superior Courts handle major criminal and civil cases in Washington State’s judicial system.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Environment & Energy (2026)
Explore environment and energy policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Writing an Op-Ed – Civic Skills
Seattle Times writer, Melissa Davis highlights Op-Eds in civic life and how writing and reading are important for civic engagement.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Legislative Actions of Washington State
In this curriculum, students learn not only how legislation is passed in Washington State but also how they can be involved and engage in it
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
SERIES
On The Issues – Q&A
Legislative Pages research current issues legislative committees are working on and bring those questions to committee leadership.
Multiple Videos
6. What is a Lobbyist?
Learn what a lobbyist is and how they influence the legislative process in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
What Happens If A Law Is Declared Unconstitutional?
Learn what happens when a law is declared unconstitutional and the roles of courts and lawmakers in Washington State.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Law & Justice (2026)
Explore law and justice policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Coffee and Connections – Civic Skills
Annette Heide-Jessen uses her coffee shop for civic connection, gathering neighbors and supporting entrepreneurs.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish)
Civics 101 explains how government works, citizen rights, and public policy at local, state, and national levels.
Multiple Videos
Unit
Higher Education & Workforce Development (2026)
Explore higher education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Natural History – Civic Skills
Writer David B. Williams connects people to place through natural history. His writings reveal the local environment through a civic lens.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Civic Skills
Explore diverse professional roles and the civic skills that help people succeed in their communities and daily lives.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Washington Capitol Press Corps
Discover how Washington’s Capital Press Corps informs the public, covers state government, and strengthens democracy.
Discussion Questions
Court of Appeals – WA Courts
Learn how the Washington State Court of Appeals works and its role in reviewing trial court decisions.
Discussion Questions
Curating Public History – Civic Skills
Curator Todd Clark centers Native voices in public history while prioritizing truth-telling and diversity in the exhibits he curates.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Secretary of State
Learn the role of Washington State’s Secretary of State and how the office oversees elections and public records.
Lesson Plan
Creating Vibrant Parks – Civic Skills
Former Parks Superintendent Christopher Williams preserved vibrant parks through civic engagement, listening, and clarity of mission.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
What Is The Most Powerful Branch?
Explore which branch of government is most powerful and how checks and balances work in Washington State.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Signing up to Testify
Learn how to sign up to testify on a bill and share your voice in Washington State’s legislative process.
Landscape Organizing – Civic Skills
Landscape Architect, Dakota Keene designs public/private spaces for community connection, creating shared civic spaces that welcome everyone
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
How To Get Legal Advice?
Learn how to get legal advice in Washington State and understand your right to an attorney in civil and criminal cases.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Community Safety (2025)
Learn where Community Safety Committee leadership stands on issues of police accountability and addressing misinformation on social media.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
How to Find Videos on TVW.org
Learn how to search for Washington State legislative videos on TVW.org and find bill hearings step by step.
Teaching – Civic Skills
Teacher James Nau fosters civic collaboration amongst his students and introduces them to the tools to connect and contribute.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Floor Debate – Tech For Teens
See how tech bills for teens fared in Washington State floor debates and why some passed while others failed.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Mainstream Republicans Conference
See how WAs Mainstream Republican Conference acts as a think tank and forum for focusing on political party interests and endorsements.
Lesson Plan
Unit
Transportation (2026)
Explore transportation policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Documentary
Isidore Starr: Leading a Revolution in Civics
Explore Isidore Starr’s impact on civics education and his legacy as a leader in law-related education.
Discussion Questions
Participating in the Legislative Process
Learn how Washington residents can influence lawmaking through testimony, advocacy, and connecting with legislators.
Discussion Questions
Poetry – Civic Skills
Rena Priest uses poetry as a means to access others’ viewpoints. Empathy and broad vision are essential for community action.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Re-Wire 2026 Legislative Session Preview
Preview the 2026 legislative session with insights from the ReWire conference on budget, policy, and key issues.
Discussion Questions
Unit
The Rule of Law and State Courts
This 4 day lesson plan examines the role of state courts in preserving democracy and what types of cases each court level hears.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Community Engagement – Civic Skills
Daniel Garcia uses civic engagement to strengthen Tacoma arts. He listens to neighbors and brings people together to enrich the community.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Housing (House 2025)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address affordability and housing access.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
First Week – Tech For Teens
Follow AI regulation bills in Washington State and see how tech policy for teens moves through the legislative process.
Discussion Questions
14. The Floor: What is Caucus?
Learn what a caucus is and how lawmakers negotiate and prepare bills behind the scenes in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Education (2025)
This 20 min lesson explores where the Majority and Minority Parties stand on two policies regarding Early Learning and K12 Education.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Political Campaigns
Learn what it takes to run for office in Washington, from campaigning and fundraising to serving the public.
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Leg.wa.gov Navigator
These handy explainer videos will help you navigate Washington state's legislative website - leg.wa.gov
Multiple Videos
Unit
Health Care (2026)
Explore healthcare policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Looking up a Bill
Learn how to find Washington State bills by number, topic, sponsor, or pre-filed status using the legislative website.
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