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Argument Wars - iCivics Inc.

Grades
5 to 10
3 Favorites 0  Comments
  
This site offers a creative way to teach landmark Supreme Court cases. The site provides nine historical court cases for students to argue. Each case is a separate interactive. In ...more
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This site offers a creative way to teach landmark Supreme Court cases. The site provides nine historical court cases for students to argue. Each case is a separate interactive. In each activity, students play a lawyer representing one side of the case. Using supporting documents, students must choose the best argument for the side they are representing. After signing in, click Download the Teacher Resources, and a box will pop up. From the box, you can select SCOTUS PATH.pdf, ArgumentWars20_Guide.pdf, Game Extension Pack ELL_Guide.pdf, and Arguement Wars Extension Pack.pdf. The Extension Packs add relevance for students through PowerPoint slides. Students "win" the game and case if they score more points than their computer-generated opponent.

In the Classroom

This site is a great way to review the amendments to the US Constitution. Using an interactive whiteboard or projector, complete one case as a whole group so students can see how the interactive should work. Use the provided handouts so students can take notes as they are working through the case. When it is time for students to work independently, make a shortcut to this site on classroom computers and use it as a center. Divide students into cooperative learning groups to explore the site. Afterward, have a discussion or have students journal using the provided discussion questions. This site does not have a save feature, so students must complete the entire activity to see if they've won. For students who need more of a challenge, assign them to Gideon v. Wainwright. Students have to examine two arguments which makes it more challenging.
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