Sample Lessons
The Justice Teaching Center for Civic Learning provides a variety of lessons and activities to use with your classroom partnerships. The materials are divided by grade level and aligned with the state standards in civics and government. We have posted a sampling of featured lessons below. We also have a large collection of additional lessons you can request depending on the topic or benchmark you are presenting.
Contact apitts@flsouthern.edu to request a specific topic or content area.
Review each lesson carefully and all associated handouts, PowerPoint slides, and other resources. Remember, to discuss the lesson or activity with the teacher so they can approve the content and strategies.
It is important to be engaging with the students. Walk around the room and be friendly and conversational with all grade levels. Ask questions and have small group interactions, depending on the exercise.
Remember, it is critical not to bring partisan influences or biases into the classroom in any way. Be fair and impartial in your presentations and help students build confidence and strengthen their own critical thinking skills.
Recorded training sessions are available to walk volunteers through the process of instructional delivery.
For information or further instructions on how to implement any specific activity, please contact apitts@flsouthern.edu.
Elementary Lessons and Activities
Rules, Rules, Rules
This elementary lesson should be implemented at the beginning of the academic year to establish the importance of rules in a classroom environment as well as in our governmental system. A game format is utilized to allow students to learn about the importance of rules in an engaging way.
PDFElementary Road Map
What may happen if we didn’t have any rules or laws? This activity will help elementary students explore the three branches of government.
PowerPointAre animals allowed?
How are rules like laws? In this exercise, students will explore a hypothetical rule and determine its meaning. Students will be presented with a variety of scenarios to determine if the rule has been violated. Students will discuss the purpose of the rule and if they would recommend any changes.
PowerPointIntegrity, Rules, and the Courts
Icebreakers and Short Takes
Judicial Bingo
Answer as many questions on the sheet as you can individually. Then, at your table, discuss with others the topics which appear in each box.
PDFWhere do you stand?
Teaching about current issues provides opportunities for students to practice critical thinking, persuasive speaking, and listening skills.
PDFMiddle and High School Lessons and Activities
Civics Match Up Lesson
In this activity, students will be introduced to questions on the naturalization test for prospective U.S. citizens through an engaging matching game.
PowerPointActivityFlorida v. J.L.
FL Courts Scavenger Hunt
The Florida Legislature website defines the Florida Constitution as an organized system of fundamental principles for the government of the state. It is of a permanent and general nature and originates from the people rather than from the Legislature.
PowerPointQuoting the Case
Walking Through a Trial
Special Events - Constitution Day, Law Day, and More
The new Constitution Day 2024 lesson Just Serve is available aligned with the new state standards for civics and government. To request a copy, contact apitts@flsouthern.edu.
State Standards in Civics and Government
Florida has approved new state standards in civics and government for all grade levels. To distinguish these from previous versions, the benchmarks include CG instead of C in their coding.
The latest statewide assessment results for Civics and US History are available at the link below. You can review data from 2022 and 2023 district comparisons as well as school data from the most recent assessment administration.
Supplemental Resources and Required Instruction Statute
Tips for the Classroom
Original Justice Teaching Lessons
Justice R. Fred Lewis (Retired) created the Justice Teaching program in 2006. Some of the original materials that were part of that inaugural program are housed at Florida Southern College. Some of the materials can be accessed at the links below.
Review each lesson carefully and all associated handouts as some materials could be dated. PowerPoint slides and other resources may need to be updated depending on the date the materials were produced or submitted. Remember, to review the lessons carefully and discuss with the teacher so he/she can approve the content and strategies.
It is critical not to bring partisan influences or biases into the classroom in any way. Be impartial in your presentations and help students build confidence in their own critical thinking skills.
For information or further instructions on how to implement any specific activity, please contact apitts@flsouthern.edu.
Questions? Contact
