Activity Overview
In this activity, students will dig into the judicial branch and investigate a landmark Supreme Court case. Students will create a Frayer Model storyboard to describe the background and events that led to the case. As a part of their storyboard, students should include both viewpoints of their selected case,the Supreme Court’s ruling, and the rationale behind the ruling was. Students can select from the list below, or teachers can provide additional cases they would like students to investigate.
Below is a list of possible landmark Supreme Court cases that students can use for their assignment.
- Koramatsu v. United States
- Texas v. Johnson
- Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
- Brown v. Board of Education
- Roe v. Wade
- Tucker v. Des Moines
- Marbury v. Madison
- Dred Scott v. Sandford
- Obergefell v. Hodges
Extended Activity
For an extended activity, students may choose to research another Supreme Court case not listed above. Students can create an additional space in their Frayer Model that reflects their opinion of the Supreme Court ruling. Students may examine the historical events that led up to the case.
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 frayer model that analyzes a landmark Supreme Court case.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the center box, identify the court case you are analyzing.
- In the cells, describe what led to the case, the arguments of both sides, and the Supreme Court ruling.
- Create an illustration for each using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will dig into the judicial branch and investigate a landmark Supreme Court case. Students will create a Frayer Model storyboard to describe the background and events that led to the case. As a part of their storyboard, students should include both viewpoints of their selected case,the Supreme Court’s ruling, and the rationale behind the ruling was. Students can select from the list below, or teachers can provide additional cases they would like students to investigate.
Below is a list of possible landmark Supreme Court cases that students can use for their assignment.
- Koramatsu v. United States
- Texas v. Johnson
- Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
- Brown v. Board of Education
- Roe v. Wade
- Tucker v. Des Moines
- Marbury v. Madison
- Dred Scott v. Sandford
- Obergefell v. Hodges
Extended Activity
For an extended activity, students may choose to research another Supreme Court case not listed above. Students can create an additional space in their Frayer Model that reflects their opinion of the Supreme Court ruling. Students may examine the historical events that led up to the case.
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 frayer model that analyzes a landmark Supreme Court case.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the center box, identify the court case you are analyzing.
- In the cells, describe what led to the case, the arguments of both sides, and the Supreme Court ruling.
- Create an illustration for each using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Landmark Supreme Court Decisions
How can I guide students in respectfully debating both sides of a Supreme Court case?
Model civil discourse by setting clear ground rules and expectations for respect. Discuss why understanding multiple perspectives deepens critical thinking. Use sentence starters and discussion frames to help students articulate their ideas. Encourage listening before responding, and remind students to address arguments, not people.
Assign students to opposing viewpoints for balanced preparation.
Divide your class into small groups, assigning each to represent either side of the case. This ensures balanced research and prevents echo chambers. Give students time to gather evidence and prepare their arguments from their assigned perspective.
Facilitate a structured, time-limited classroom debate.
Set up a simple debate format: opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments. Use timers to keep the pace lively and focused. Rotate speakers to maximize participation and engagement.
Reflect on the debate with a class debrief and personal connections.
Lead a class discussion after the debate, asking students what they learned or what surprised them. Invite personal reflections—did anyone’s viewpoint shift? Encourage students to connect the case to current events or their own experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Landmark Supreme Court Decisions
What is a landmark Supreme Court case?
Landmark Supreme Court cases are decisions made by the U.S. Supreme Court that have a significant impact on law, society, or government policy. These cases often set important legal precedents and shape the interpretation of the Constitution.
How can I teach students about landmark Supreme Court decisions using a Frayer Model?
To teach students about landmark Supreme Court decisions with a Frayer Model, have them analyze a case by identifying its background, arguments from both sides, the Court's ruling, and the reasoning behind the decision. Students can illustrate each section and optionally add their personal opinion or historical context.
What are some examples of landmark Supreme Court cases for middle or high school students?
Examples include Brown v. Board of Education, Roe v. Wade, Marbury v. Madison, Dred Scott v. Sandford, Obergefell v. Hodges, Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, and Texas v. Johnson. These cases address key issues in civil rights, government powers, and individual freedoms.
What steps should students follow to analyze a Supreme Court case for a class assignment?
Students should: 1. Select a landmark case, 2. Research its background, 3. Describe both sides' arguments, 4. Summarize the Supreme Court's ruling and rationale, and 5. Illustrate each part in a Frayer Model. Optionally, they can add their own opinion or explore further historical context.
Why is it important for students to study landmark Supreme Court cases?
Studying landmark Supreme Court cases helps students understand how the judicial branch affects laws and daily life, encourages critical thinking about justice and rights, and provides insight into key moments that have shaped U.S. history and society.
More Storyboard That Activities
Judicial Branch
- Constitution of the United States of America (page 4) • The U.S. National Archives • License No known copyright restrictions (http://flickr.com/commons/usage/)
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