Activity Overview
It's beneficial for students to take a focused look at key questions when learning about more complex topics, such as the composition and responsibilities of the Judicial Branch. in this activity, students will create a spider map that represents the 5 Ws of the Judicial Branch. For each W, students will ask and answer a central question. Using the cell space, students will create a visual representation to accompany their responses. This can be used as an introductory activity or as a summative assignment at the end of the unit.
Here are some examples of possible questions:
- Who is a member of the Judicial Branch?
- What is the purpose of the Judicial Branch?
- When was the Judicial Branch created?
- Where is the Judicial Branch located?
- Why do we have a Judicial Branch?
- Who is in charge of the Judicial Branch?
- What does the Judicial Branch do?
- What types of jobs are part of the Judicial Branch?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of the Judicial Branch: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
It's beneficial for students to take a focused look at key questions when learning about more complex topics, such as the composition and responsibilities of the Judicial Branch. in this activity, students will create a spider map that represents the 5 Ws of the Judicial Branch. For each W, students will ask and answer a central question. Using the cell space, students will create a visual representation to accompany their responses. This can be used as an introductory activity or as a summative assignment at the end of the unit.
Here are some examples of possible questions:
- Who is a member of the Judicial Branch?
- What is the purpose of the Judicial Branch?
- When was the Judicial Branch created?
- Where is the Judicial Branch located?
- Why do we have a Judicial Branch?
- Who is in charge of the Judicial Branch?
- What does the Judicial Branch do?
- What types of jobs are part of the Judicial Branch?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of the Judicial Branch: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about 5 Ws of the Judicial Branch
Organize a Judicial Branch mock trial in your classroom
Engage students by assigning roles such as judges, lawyers, and jurors to simulate a real court case. Mock trials bring abstract judicial concepts to life and help students understand courtroom procedures in a fun, interactive way.
Assign roles and explain responsibilities clearly
Distribute role cards and outline each role’s duties so students know what to expect. Clear instructions help students feel confident and keep the activity running smoothly.
Select an age-appropriate case or scenario
Choose a simple, relatable scenario—such as a school rule or playground dispute—so all students can participate thoughtfully. Relevant cases boost engagement and encourage critical thinking.
Guide students through trial procedures step by step
Walk students through opening statements, witness questioning, and deliberation. Model each stage to reinforce proper courtroom etiquette and ensure everyone understands the process.
Facilitate a reflective discussion after the trial
Lead a conversation about what students learned and how judicial decisions impact society. Reflection helps solidify new concepts and connects the lesson to students’ everyday lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about 5 Ws of the Judicial Branch
What are the 5 Ws of the Judicial Branch?
The 5 Ws of the Judicial Branch are: Who is involved, What it does, When it was created, Where it is located, and Why it exists. These questions help students break down and understand the structure and function of the Judicial Branch.
How can I teach the 5 Ws of the Judicial Branch to middle school students?
A great way to teach the 5 Ws of the Judicial Branch is through a spider map activity, where students answer Who, What, When, Where, and Why questions and create visual representations for each. This approach encourages critical thinking and helps students organize information clearly.
What is a good activity for introducing the Judicial Branch to students?
Introducing the Judicial Branch with a 5 Ws spider map is effective. Students answer key questions and create images for each W, making learning interactive and accessible for grades 6-12.
Why is it important for students to learn about the Judicial Branch using the 5 Ws?
Using the 5 Ws helps students break down complex topics like the Judicial Branch into manageable parts, ensuring they understand who is involved, what the branch does, when and where it operates, and why it matters in government.
What questions should I include in a Judicial Branch 5 Ws lesson?
Include questions such as: Who is a member of the Judicial Branch? What is its purpose? When was it created? Where is it located? Why do we have it? These guide students to think critically about the Judicial Branch.
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