Supreme Court

May 5, 2022

Students listen to and reflect on a range of voices about the leaked Supreme Court draft ruling that would reverse Roe v. Wade. 

March 4, 2022

Judge Jackson may become the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. Students explore the confirmation process, Jackson's background, and diversity on the court.

October 2, 2018

Students read one high school senior’s perspective on what teenagers are learning from the Kavanaugh hearings, and share their own perspectives.

September 30, 2018

Young people are listening to the controversy over Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, and they are talking about it. How can educators safely and productively bring these conversations into their school and classrooms? 

August 21, 2018

Is labor on the ropes? In this lesson students learn about and discuss how unions reduce inequality, labor’s losses in recent decades, and the current signs of a resurgence. 

July 12, 2018

This lesson introduces students to the controversy over Justice Kennedy’s retirement and Trump’s role in reshaping the Supreme Court. The first reading reviews Kennedy’s career and highlights the significance of his role as a swing vote on the court. The second reading examines possible consequences...

February 15, 2016

In this brief Teachable Instant lesson, students learn about and discuss Justice Scalia's stances and the controversy over replacing him on the high court.  

July 23, 2011

Now is a teachable moment for study and discussion of the First Amendment and the religiously tinged politics of our time. Here, a quiz, a short history of the First Amendment, four case studies and suggested classroom activities.

January 27, 2010

A student quiz, reading and discussion explore the court's role in interpreting the Constitution and its recent decision to lift limits on corporate & union election ad spending.

July 8, 2009

The court's recent ruling on the right of schools to conduct drug searches leaves some questions unanswered. Two readings, discussion questions and suggestions for inquiry help students consider the issue.