I don't know if it's a matter of trying harder if there is a fundamental lack of engagement.

I feel in this way I'm failing you more than anything.

[But what sort of hands on projects could she do. She could maybe do a field trip, but that seemed a bit dangerous and potentially unwelcome by both students and any sort of institute she could go to.]

What if I had you create your own government? You can do it in any way you wished, and convey it with any method.