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The following lessons are suggested for September's Constitution Month. If you have ideas for a visit that doesn't include one of these lessons, describe it on the Request a Visit form. These lessons may also be requested throughout the year.

K-5

No Animals Allowed! What does that mean? Is a frog an animal? What about a dog? Through a set of scenarios, students will be challenged with the "You Be the Judge" activity, and learn to consider what is intended when a law is written. Students will also learn about the three branches of government.

No Animals Allowed

No Animals Allowed! What does that mean? Is a frog an animal? What about a dog? Through a set of scenarios, students will be challenged with the "You Be the Judge" activity, and learn to consider what is intended when a law is written. Students will also learn about the three branches of government.

K-12

Have an Honor do the honor! Invite a judge to your school to administer the Oath of Office.

Oath of Office

Have an Honor do the honor! Invite a judge to your school to administer the Oath of Office.

9-12

Students will look at a 2009 warrantless search and seizure of the digital contents of David Leon Riley's cell phone when he was pulled over for expired tags. They'll learn how and why Riley's case was being argued at the U.S. Supreme Court six years later. This landmark case comes with a set of facts that will engage both students and teachers.

This lesson is a top pick for classrooms with an understanding of the three branches of government.

Riley v. California

Students will look at a 2009 warrantless search and seizure of the digital contents of David Leon Riley's cell phone when he was pulled over for expired tags. They'll learn how and why Riley's case was being argued at the U.S. Supreme Court six years later. This landmark case comes with a set of facts that will engage both students and teachers.

This lesson is a top pick for classrooms with an understanding of the three branches of government.

8-12

Invite a judge to examine the Sleepy Lagoon murder trial, where twenty-two young men were tried and twelve were convicted in a mass trial for murder in what is widely considered a travesty of justice and rush to judgment.

The Sleepy Lagoon "Zoot Suit" Trial

Invite a judge to examine the Sleepy Lagoon murder trial, where twenty-two young men were tried and twelve were convicted in a mass trial for murder in what is widely considered a travesty of justice and rush to judgment.

6-12

Have an expert give your students a look at the U.S. Constitution. Challenge your students to think critically about the work of our Founding Fathers, and the 4-page document they created that has governed us for 200 years.  They'll also learn our state Constitution, founded on the same fundamental principles, and the three equal branches of government.

The Constitution: We Are All Equal

Have an expert give your students a look at the U.S. Constitution. Challenge your students to think critically about the work of our Founding Fathers, and the 4-page document they created that has governed us for 200 years. They'll also learn our state Constitution, founded on the same fundamental principles, and the three equal branches of government.

6-12

Do students have free speech rights on campus? What if that speech is a symbol, or a social media post? Learn about some of the most high-profile cases that made their way to the U.S. Supreme Court asking these questions.

The First Amendment

Do students have free speech rights on campus? What if that speech is a symbol, or a social media post? Learn about some of the most high-profile cases that made their way to the U.S. Supreme Court asking these questions.

5-12

This lesson is rich with historical references tracking the many battles fought in the fields and in the courts by two of California's most notable civil rights icons recognized internationally.

Si Se Puede! César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and the 1st Amendment

This lesson is rich with historical references tracking the many battles fought in the fields and in the courts by two of California's most notable civil rights icons recognized internationally.

5-12

In this lesson, students learn about the delivery of justice in 1692. Through a reenactment, they learn about fair and equal access and the role of a jury.

Salem Witch Trials

In this lesson, students learn about the delivery of justice in 1692. Through a reenactment, they learn about fair and equal access and the role of a jury.

5-12

The U.S. Constitution is a flexible, four-page document that has been amended twenty-seven times. This lesson explains the challenges around voting rights starting in the Reconstruction Era (1863-1877), and the fight for suffrage in the years that followed

Under Reconstruction: Voter Rights & the Constitution

The U.S. Constitution is a flexible, four-page document that has been amended twenty-seven times. This lesson explains the challenges around voting rights starting in the Reconstruction Era (1863-1877), and the fight for suffrage in the years that followed

5-12

Students will receive news of a new law in the town of Beautifica, then be lead by the Volunteer through scenarios to demonstrate the work of the courts, and what it takes to think like a judge. Students with little to no knowledge of the three branches will benefit from this lesson.

No Vehicles Allowed

Students will receive news of a new law in the town of Beautifica, then be lead by the Volunteer through scenarios to demonstrate the work of the courts, and what it takes to think like a judge. Students with little to no knowledge of the three branches will benefit from this lesson.

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