The Research Roadmap

Lesson Plan

Use this graphic organizer to guide independent student research on a Supreme Court case, or for analyzing one of the mini-lessons in the Landmark Library. It includes critical thinking and discussion questions for work in small groups or as an entire class. Also available as a fillable PDF!

Teacher Resources

Get access to lesson plans, teacher guides, student handouts, and other teaching materials.

The Research Roadmap - Supreme Court Case Graphic Organizer - Case Details

The Research Roadmap - Supreme Court Case Graphic Organizer - Case Arguments

The Research Roadmap - Supreme Court Case Graphic Organizer - Case Citations

I find the materials so engaging, relevant, and easy to understand – I now use iCivics as a central resource, and use the textbook as a supplemental tool. The games are invaluable for applying the concepts we learn in class. My seniors LOVE iCivics.

Lynna Landry , AP US History & Government / Economics Teacher and Department Chair, California

Related Resources

Lesson Plan

PGA Tour, Inc. v. Martin (2001)

This mini-lesson explores the Supreme Court’s decision that required the Professional Golf Association to accommodate competitors with disabilities in its tournaments. Students learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act, the modifications it requires of public places, and how those modifications affect people’s lives.
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Lesson Plan

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that it was constitutional to keep Black and White people segregated as long as the accommodations for each race were “equal.” Students learn about the concept of “separate but equal,” the reasons the Court found the doctrine acceptable, and the fact that the doctrine was not abolished until the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
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Lesson Plan

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that burning the American flag is a form of political speech protected by the First Amendment. Students learn about the First Amendment freedom of speech and the principle that “the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.” They then learn about the dissenting view by distinguishing between arguments from the Court’s majority opinion and the dissent.
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Lesson Plan

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that extended First Amendment protections to students in the classroom. Students learn about the concept of symbolic speech and how students gained the right to engage in political protests at school. They also learn how this Supreme Court decision continues to affect their everyday lives.
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Lesson Plan

U.S. v. Nixon (1974)

This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that then-sitting President Nixon had to turn over some recordings of his presidential communications to a court of law. Students learn about the Watergate break-in, the president’s privilege of confidentiality, and the supremacy of the Constitution even over the President of the United States.
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Lesson Plan

United States v. Virginia (1996)

This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that found the Virginia Military Institute’s male-only admission policy discriminated against women. Students learn about the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause and analyze what an “equal education” means to them.
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Lesson Plan

United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898)

This mini-lesson explores the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause. Students learn about the difference between jus sanguinis and jus soli citizenship. They also learn about the Chinese Exclusion Act, analyze a historical political cartoon, and review the contents of the U.S. Naturalization Oath.
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Lesson Plan

West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette (…

This mini-lesson covers the basics of the Supreme Court’s decision that it was unconstitutional for a state to force students to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Students learn how the interests of national unity and the protection of individual rights can sometimes clash. They also explore “Freedom of Religion” as outlined in the First Amendment as well as the Supreme Court’s interpretation of that right over time. This case overturned the Court's decision in Minersville v. Gobitas (1940).
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