Middle School Resources
We invite you to use these lessons, developed by California K-12 teachers. The teachers participated in a five day professional development institute focused on civic education and the courts. Co -sponsored by the Administrative Office of the Courts and Cal State San Marcos, participants created and field tested engaging civics lessons that meet California History-Social Science Content Standards and Common Core State Standards.
Middle School (6-8)
Court Related Lessons:
- Impartiality; An Honest Court
- Jury Trial
- Stranded, or why do we have rules?
- Why Do I Have to do Jury Duty?
Other Civics Lessons:
- Faces of Citizenship: Civic Responsibility
- Fayette v. Take Two: The First Amendment
- Make Good Choices! Presidential Election
- Political Parties
- Understanding the Declaration of Independence
- What Are My Rights…and My Responsibilities?
- Why is this important to me?: The First Amendment
Key California Civic Related Content Standards at each grade level
California Civic Education Scope and Sequence
Comprehensive civic related content standards, including national content standards, at each grade level with sample classroom applications and sample resources
Literature Recommendations
Mock Trials
Free scripted mock trials for elementary students, created by Judge Joan Weber, Superior Court of San Diego County and staff at the Superior Court of Contra Costa County.
Images
- Picturing America – Free high quality images of important works of art connected to themes such as democracy and equality.
- Cartoons – Free images of student cartoons, from elementary school through high school, depicting the First Amendment freedoms
Online Games and Resources
References for Teachers
These resources may be useful if a child in your classroom is involved in the court, and you need additional background or information to support the child or their family: