Activity Overview
The Judicial Branch has had an enormous impact on the history and development of America. Many major legal rulings made by the Supreme Court have shaped American society, and are used as references even decades after their decisions.
In this activity, have students research major events that have occurred throughout the history of the Supreme Court. Students will create a timeline that reflects the foundations of the judicial branch, along with major events that have transpired within the judiciary.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Supreme Court Timeline Example
- September 17, 1787 - The Supreme Court is Created
- March 10, 1810 - Fletcher vs. Peck
- May 18, 1896 - Plessy vs. Ferguson
- April 4, 1935 - Supreme Court Building Established
- March 18, 1963 - Gideon vs. Wainwright
- September 21, 1981 - Sandra Day O'Connor Appointed
- June 21, 1989 - Texas vs. Johnson
Extended Activity
To extend this activity, students will create a similar timeline that represents major events from the highest court of the state in which they live. Or, teachers may assign different states to students for a comparative activity.
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 timeline detailing the major events & rulings in the history of the Supreme Court.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events and rulings and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Write a summary of the decision or event in the description box.
- Create an illustration using 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 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
The Judicial Branch has had an enormous impact on the history and development of America. Many major legal rulings made by the Supreme Court have shaped American society, and are used as references even decades after their decisions.
In this activity, have students research major events that have occurred throughout the history of the Supreme Court. Students will create a timeline that reflects the foundations of the judicial branch, along with major events that have transpired within the judiciary.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Supreme Court Timeline Example
- September 17, 1787 - The Supreme Court is Created
- March 10, 1810 - Fletcher vs. Peck
- May 18, 1896 - Plessy vs. Ferguson
- April 4, 1935 - Supreme Court Building Established
- March 18, 1963 - Gideon vs. Wainwright
- September 21, 1981 - Sandra Day O'Connor Appointed
- June 21, 1989 - Texas vs. Johnson
Extended Activity
To extend this activity, students will create a similar timeline that represents major events from the highest court of the state in which they live. Or, teachers may assign different states to students for a comparative activity.
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 timeline detailing the major events & rulings in the history of the Supreme Court.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events and rulings and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Write a summary of the decision or event in the description box.
- Create an illustration using 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 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about Timeline: History of the Supreme Court
Organize a Supreme Court case debate in your classroom
Engage your students by selecting a landmark Supreme Court case for a lively classroom debate. Debates help students analyze arguments and understand judicial reasoning.
Assign roles to students as justices, lawyers, and witnesses
Assign students specific roles such as Supreme Court justices, attorneys for each side, and relevant witnesses. This structure ensures everyone participates and deepens their understanding of the judicial process.
Provide accessible background information and case summaries
Distribute concise summaries of the case, relevant facts, and constitutional issues. This helps all students start with a clear, shared foundation.
Guide students to prepare arguments and questions
Encourage attorneys to develop opening statements and key arguments, while justices prepare questions for both sides. Preparation builds confidence and supports critical thinking skills.
Facilitate the debate and final decision
Moderate the debate by allowing each side to present, respond, and answer questions from the justices. After presentations, have the justices deliberate and issue a decision, explaining their reasoning to the class.
Frequently Asked Questions about Timeline: History of the Supreme Court
What are the most important events in the history of the Supreme Court?
Key events in the history of the Supreme Court include its creation in 1787, landmark decisions like Fletcher vs. Peck (1810), Plessy vs. Ferguson (1896), the establishment of the Supreme Court Building (1935), Gideon vs. Wainwright (1963), the appointment of Sandra Day O'Connor (1981), and Texas vs. Johnson (1989). These milestones have significantly shaped American law and society.
How can students create a Supreme Court timeline for a classroom project?
Students can create a Supreme Court timeline by researching major events and notable rulings, adding them to a timeline template, and including summaries and illustrations for each event. This activity helps visualize the evolution of the judicial branch in an engaging way.
What are some tips for making an engaging timeline poster about the Supreme Court?
To make an engaging timeline poster, use clear headings for each event, add brief but informative descriptions, and incorporate visuals like images or drawings. Consider using color coding, templates, and creative layouts to make the information stand out and easy to follow.
What are examples of major Supreme Court decisions students should include in a timeline?
Examples of major Supreme Court decisions for a student timeline include Fletcher vs. Peck, Plessy vs. Ferguson, Gideon vs. Wainwright, and Texas vs. Johnson. Each of these cases had a significant impact on U.S. law and civil rights.
How can teachers adapt the Supreme Court timeline activity for different grade levels?
Teachers can adapt the timeline activity by providing simpler templates or fewer events for younger students, or by including comparative state court timelines and in-depth analysis for older students. Adjust instructions and expectations to match the students' grade and skill levels.
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