Bring civics to life through media-rich, whole-class, collaborative experiences that engage students in learning about landmark Supreme Court cases.
iCivics’ simulations engage students in a dynamic experience where they take on the role of a Petitioner, Respondent, or Supreme Court Justice to decide fictional cases.
During this in-class activity, students will navigate questions of student rights by taking the principles established in the U.S. Constitution, drawing on precedent-setting landmark Supreme Court cases, and applying them to the complexities of student life.
Discover Supreme Decision Modules
Student Free Speech: Ben Brewer v. Hamilton HS
Guide your students through the fictional case of Ben Brewer, a high school student who was suspended for violating the school dress code.
Students will examine the First Amendment right to free speech and apply the precedent of Tinker v. Des Moines to answer the question: Does the Constitution protect Ben’s right to wear a band T-shirt to school?
Student Due Process: Jamie Johnson v. Marshall HS
Guide your students through the fictional case of Jamie Johnson, a high school student who was suspended after a student protest got out of hand.
Students will examine the Fourteenth Amendment right to due process and apply the precedent of Goss v. Lopez to answer the question: Does the Constitution protect Jamie’s right to due process before a suspension from school?
Set your class up for success
During a simulation, teachers and students will walk through an online experience that directs them to work in small and large groups to explore different perspectives, apply Constitutional principles and precedent, present an argument, deliberate the case, and determine an outcome. Using the rubric of judicial lenses, students will learn about the different ways Justices interpret the law to look ahead to future outcomes.
Not sure where to start or how to make the most of your class time? We have two tools available to equip and prepare you to incorporate simulations effectively into your curriculum and in your classroom.
Each module includes a Teacher Facilitation Guide containing additional insights and student activities to make the most of your class time.
Discover what happens during a simulation with our step-by-step guide that walks you through the student and teacher screens of each stage of the experience.
A group size of 9-50 students works best. Each simulation can be played through in 60-80 minutes. Your classes can easily pause and pick up where they left off if you need to divide the session over two class periods.