Before You Watch
Respond to the following questions:
- How do you engage students in complex issues?
- How do you introduce students to the Constitution as a document that is both durable and adaptable?
- How can role-playing and simulations be used to help students understand the Constitution?
Watch the Video
As you watch "Landmark Supreme Court Cases," take notes on Ms. Ewbank's instructional strategies, particularly how she prepares, implements, and debriefs the role-playing and simulations. Write down what you find interesting, surprising, or especially important about the teaching and learning in this lesson
Reflecting on the Video
Review your notes, then respond to the following questions:
- What struck you about the classroom climate, background, preparation, strategies, and materials used in this lesson?
- What kind of preparation do you think Ms. Ewbank's students needed prior to assuming their roles?
- What were the major parts of the lesson, and what was the purpose or goal of each part?
- Describe how Ms. Ewbank extended student knowledge during the role-playing and simulations.
- How is this class different from yours? How might you teach your own students about challenges to the Constitution?
Let's take a second look at Ms. Ewbank's class to focus on specific teaching strategies. Use the video images below to locate where to begin viewing.