Themes_Teaching about the Supreme Court

2005 news headlines were of a new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and 2006 began with hearings for a new justice. What a chance for a great civics lesson.
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land, and the only court specifically created by the Constitution. It consists of nine justices, appointed for life by the President, who weigh in the meaning of laws and whether or not they violate the Constitution.
Try some of these sites to help you teach about this powerful court:

Directly from the U.S. Court System
http://www.uscourts.gov/outreach/index.html

These topics, developed by legal scholars and reviewed by master teachers to stimulate critical thinking, provide the basis for presentations, court simulations, and homework assignments.
http://www.uscourts.gov/outreach/topics/index.html

The Supreme Court for Kids
http://www.surfnetkids.com/supremecourt.htm

Congress for Kids - with lessons and quizes
http://congressforkids.net/Judicialbranch_supremecourt.htm

Supreme Court Crossword
http://congressforkids.net/Judicialbranch_supremecourt.htm

Teaching about the Supreme Court - for teachers
http://www.ericdigests.org/2002-2/court.htm

Teaching about the Supreme Court (Annenberg Media) -- a 9th grade workshop
http://www.learner.org/channel/workshops/civics/workshop1/readings/court$1.html

Find Cases in the US National Archives
http://www.archives.gov/education/

Raising informed citizens is an admirable goal. I hope these sites help you in your endeavor. Sharon
sharon_betts