Learn civics through online games
Middle school students now have a more entertaining way to learn about the Constitution and the courts. A new web-based game called “Supreme Decision” is available on www.ourcourts.org.
Players assume the role of a law clerk to a U.S. Supreme Court justice. They have to help write the decision in a First Amendment case regarding the wearing of music T-shirts at school. The question is whether a school can ban them or are they protected as student free speech.
Our Courts is backed by former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor who said that more people can name an American Idol judge than the three branches of government. “To keep our democracy healthy and vibrant requires sustained participation by an active and informed citizenry.”
A second video game is coming. “Do I have a Right?” will ask students to decide which Amendment will best help a client resolve a problem.
This post was written by Tom Jacobs. Judge Tom is the founder and moderator of AsktheJudge.info. He is a retired juvenile judge and spent 23 years on the bench. He has written several books for lawyers and judges as well as teens and parents including the recently published 'Teen Cyberbullying Investigated' (Free Spirit Publishing). When he's not answering teens' questions, Judge Tom can be found hiking, traveling and reading.
