This bundle is a perfect way to build out your Judicial Branch unit. Use these resources as your foundation and easily add any existing or state-specific items you already use.

Everything you need is included, even if you are starting from scratch: 

• multiple ways to deliver core content
• student-centered activities to process content
• quick and in-depth research projects
• formative and summative assessments

Collectively, these activities can be done well in 3-4 weeks.

Included in this Judicial Branch unit bundle:
Judicial Branch Lecture Kit

• 95 clean and modern lecture slides detailing everything you need to fully cover the judicial branch (click to see full list of topics included)
• Slide-by-slide teacher script– so detailed a sub could teach it!
• Two versions of guided notes– on-level and extra-support
• 50+ question test bank to build custom assessments natively in your LMS 

Judicial Branch Podcast Kit

• 4 guided notes to accompany Civics 101 podcast episodes
• Political cartoon & news article analysis forms to pair current events with content covered 

Interpreting the Law Simulation

• Students take on the role of a judge and decide how to apply the law properly, considering the letter and the spirit of the law
• Then, students present their own analysis of an additional law 

Landmark Supreme Court Case Poster Project

• Students research a landmark case, creating a poster summarizing its significance
• Then, in a poster gallery walk, students learn about their core Constitutional Rights as clarified by the Supreme Court 

Judicial Term Limit Research Essay PBL Project

• Culminate your unit or course with this formal research essay project with a fun twist– students play advisors to the President, recommending a policy position
• Students research and decide on the Constitutional issue of whether to impose term limits on federal judges

Judicial Branch Review Cards Kit

• Massive card deck of concepts and descriptions to match and sort
• Small-group and whole-class activity ideas included
• Perfect for pre-assessing, practice, and review throughout unit

Plus two BONUS activities, not available for individual purchase

• Current Supreme Court Docket — explore the highly-anticipated cases of the current Supreme Court session and the rights they involve
• Current Supreme Court Justices — research the current nine Justices, their backgrounds, leanings, and major rulings

This bundle includes over 130 PDF pages, plus Google files.

Additional Information

What grades is this intended for?
This was designed for high school, but some included resources could still work for upper middle school, especially if are willing to customize things as necessary.

What supports are included? How can I modify this?
Clear graphic organizer style notes include visual icons, readings with accompanying audio read-aloud included via a QR code, how-to skill sheets for specific social studies skills, and lecture slides with clear, focused content per slide. 

Google versions of student materials and lecture slides are editable to tailor to your students’ needs. 

Can I use this in a homeschooling setting?

Sure! Everything in this kit can still be used in a solo or a small-group setting. 

Is this editable? What file types does this resource come in?
The main resource is a secured, non-editable PDF file intended to be printed.

Included are links to editable Google files, to customize to your classroom needs and assign digitally if you choose. 

What standards does this address?

Several! Standards vary, but this resource supports these from various states:

• Analyzes the structures and functions of the judicial branch
• Examine the relationship the judicial branch has with the other branches
• Describe the role of the Supreme Court and the lesser federal courts
• Explain what Article III says about judicial tenure, appointments, salaries, & jurisdictions
• Describe the purpose and function of judicial review and the Supremacy Clause
• Recognize the role of the Federal Judiciary Act of 1789 
• Explain the decision-making process in interpreting law; explain the difference between judicial review and restraint
• Describe various landmark Supreme Court cases, relating them to the Constitution and Bill of Rights
• Applies critical thinking skills (summarizing, drawing inferences, concluding) to assessing a variety of valid sources, organizing information acquired
• Creates a product on a contemporary government issue using inquiry
• Analyzes/evaluates information, evidence, and counterarguments from primary and secondary sources
• Defends a point of view on a current political issue
• Creates a presentation of social studies information using effective communication, including proper grammar and conventions, proper citations, and methods to avoid plagiarism

What are the terms of use for this resource?

This resource, including all ancillary files, may be used as needed for regular, non-commercial single-classroom use between a teacher and their students. 

This includes printing copies and sharing digital files with students through a secure platform, like Google Classroom or Canvas, email, or a classroom-only shared drive.

The using and sharing of any part of this resource in any manner outside the above-mentioned capacity is strictly prohibited. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to,

• posting files on the open internet or in a Facebook group
• emailing files to or sharing print copies with others (without purchasing additional licenses)
• uploading or storing files in a shared cloud drive accessible by anyone other than students
• including any part, or any derivative work, within any commercial endeavor like curriculum development, professional training, or for-profit teaching like Outschool, or selling this resource as your own in either print or digital formats

Doing so violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), copyright law, and these terms.

By downloading this resource from Let’s Cultivate Greatness, the original user has been granted one license for a single teacher (or number of teachers matching the number of licenses purchased) and their students at any one time.  

Let’s Cultivate Greatness retains the full copyright of this resource.

Reviews

Most teachers quietly admit they don’t have a strong judicial branch unit, and if that sounds like YOU, buy this. It is easily implemented and standards based.  – Myra F. 

This was a great resource which made it easy for me to plan my unit. I was able to basically plug and play these resources into my class. Thanks for saving me time! – Tatym Weaver

Works well with my judicial branch unit. Lots of options. – Casey J.