Activity
Administrative Office of the US Courts

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier

For Teachers 10th - 12th Standards
Freedom of speech is not always free. Scholars investigate how the First Amendment provides for the right to express opinions. Through the court case Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, they analyze free speech using primary documents—and hopefully...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Conducting Direct and Cross-Examinations

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify the purposes of cross and direct examinations. After writing their own examinations, they practice giving them to another student role-playing a witness. They discuss the need for lawyers to be aware of the jury...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Courtroom Testimony and Presentation

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders examine the court process and practice writing and reviewing reports. They practice their public speaking skills as they pretend to present information to a court.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to Mediation

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students are introduced to the use of mediation in court cases. In groups, they identify the different scenerios that could mediation could be used and discuss other alternatives to a solution. They practice mediating various situations...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Constitution Web-lesson

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Learners examine multiple sources like america's founders, court cases, headilnes and more to learn about the Constitutional Convention of 1787
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Rule of Law

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students review the concept of rule of law. They discuss how the rule of law can give society a positive view. They explore the role of the judiciary as well.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rules and Responsibilities: Youth and the Process of Change

For Teachers 1st
First graders analyze politics by participating in a class rules lesson. In this democracy lesson, 1st graders identify several class and school rules they dislike and conduct discussions to examine if they should be changed or not....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Deductive Reasoning

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders investigate deductive reasoning.  In this geometry instructional activity, 10th graders compare and contrast inductive ns deductive reasoning.  Students use deductive reasoning to investigate algebraic proof and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Organization of Fairfax County Government

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students examine the various components of the Fairfax County government in Virginia. In groups, they describe the purpose of the Board of Supervisors and County Executive. They identify three constitutional officers and their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

DNA Fingerprinting

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers experiment with chromatography as a technique which is similar to electrophoresis that scientists use to identify DNA samples.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Importance of the Group in Japan

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders discuss the importance of the group in Japan. In groups, they compare and contrast behaviors and attitudes of those in Japan and the United States. They are given a case to review and identify the rules by which the...