These lessons provide a basic introduction to the three branches of government, the role of a judge, and provides time for students to ask the judge questions about careers in law.
Visit powerofdemocracy.org for more information. Log in to the Courts Connected section for courts to access more lessons.
Grades 3–5
This was the most requested lesson in the past 2 years! Invite a judge to introduce to your students the 3 branches of government.
Languages: English, Spanish, and Mandarin
Grades 5–8
This lesson prompts students to think about the intent of lawmakers when creating a law. Through case scenarios, students analyze applications of a law banning vehicles from the public park.
Languages: English and Spanish
These lessons are for students with a basic understanding of the three branches of government. Speaker notes help guide visitors step-by-step and provide engagement points for discussion. Visitors may review the lesson with the teacher beforehand and edit lesson notes, as needed. Always leave at least 10 minutes for Q&A!
Grades 5–8
A lesson on the 3 branches of government and the Bill of Rights.
This lesson comes with scripts for students to reenact the trials.
Languages: English and Spanish
Grades 9–12
The "Cellphone Case" : Lesson plan provides steps for your visit, including suggested talking points to engage dialogue and facilitating group breakouts.
Languages: English and Spanish
Grades 6–12
The Constitution changed during Reconstruction through the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, also known as the Reconstruction Amendments. In this lesson, students will learn why James Madison called the regulation of the right of suffrage a "task of peculiar delicacy."
