U.S. Supreme Court Virtual Field Trip Activity: Key Functions, Landmark Cases

Take your students on a virtual field trip to learn about the Supreme Court of the United States. Using a combination of Google Earth™ 360-degree views, video, informational text, and visuals, your students gain key understandings about the purpose, organization, and functions of the Supreme Court. Your students will also tour various aspects of the Supreme Court Building and will gain an overview of key landmark cases.

This virtual field trip covers:

:: Where is the Supreme Court Building?

:: What is the Importance?

:: The Marble Palace

:: Exterior Features

:: SCOTUS Membership

:: Qualifications

:: Indefinite Tenure

:: Appointing a New Justice

:: The Bronze Doors

:: The Great Hall

:: Case Selection

:: Court Chamber

:: Photos Are Forbidden

:: Deciding a Case

:: Majority v. Dissenting Opinion

:: Judicial Review (Marbury v. Madison)

:: Civil Rights Cases (Plessy v. Ferguson, Brown v. Board of Education)

:: Equal Protection & Due Process (Loving v. Virginia, Obergefell v. Hodges)

:: Interpretation of the Law

:: Supreme Court Staff

:: The Basketball Court

:: Supreme Court Library

:: Retirement

This Virtual Field Trip Includes:

:: Informational Text (build background knowledge)

:: Response Questions (EDITABLE)

:: Google Earth™ Links to 360-degree views

:: Video Links

:: Grading Rubric

:: Everything is set up in Google Slides & ready to go!

SEE PREVIEW FOR MORE DETAILS

How it Works:

This virtual field trip can be conducted teacher-led or shared with students through Google Classroom as an independent assignment. Everything is set up for you. This resource is LOW PREP and would even make great sub plans. Student directions are found within the lesson, and direct links are included to specific Google Earth™ locations and videos. All work is completed digitally. No printing necessary.

Structure:

This virtual field trip is structured. This means that the informational text and links are meaningful and are meant to lead students to think critically as they respond to the questions throughout the virtual field trip. This is also a great way to keep students accountable as they learn and explore. All response questions are EDITABLE, so you can tailor to your class needs. Students complete this activity in edit mode of Google Slides.

Standards Alignment:

:: Common Core Standards for Reading Informational Text

:: Washington State Social Studies Standards

Grading Rubric:

A grading rubric is included which assesses: accuracy, thoroughness, validity, and writing conventions. Answers will vary throughout, as students are recording their observations and findings.

Technology:

Please note that students will need to access Google Earth™ and YouTube to complete this assignment. Google Earth™ can be accessed on a desktop using Chrome as the browser. If using a tablet or smartphone, simply download the Google Earth App before starting the virtual field trip.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out prior to purchasing. Looking for another virtual field trip that you don’t see? Let me know! I can be reached directly by email at: michellemcdonald9515@gmail.com

Thank you!

Michelle McDonald, B.A.E.

Social Studies Education, K-12

Elementary Education K-8

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