As social studies educators we are aware of how powerful the Supreme Court is and how important it is for our students to understand it, and to want to learn more about it. As educators it is our job to find the thing that will motivate and engage them, when it comes to the Supreme Court that is not easy to do. However, to inspire their legal desires beyond just your own classroom I recommend introducing the students to the Innocence Project. Note, I believe that this content is appropriate for seniors, I recommend caution if you plan on using it in lower grade levels.
The Innocence Project was started in 1992 to assist attorneys through DNA testing of the innocence of wrongfully convicted men and woman in America. To date 289 people have been exonerated including 17 who were on death row. It is a very powerful organization and most law schools have their own chapter. There is also a way for Youth to get involved. If you visit the website, Youth Take Action you can see how students have gotten involved and made a difference. It is also a great way to introduce the project to your class and get them motivated to do something. Often times the cases in The Innocence Project deals with the much larger issue of race; this can be a useful tool for teaching social justice, the supreme court, and also ethical economics. Even if your classroom decides not to get involved further, it is still a highly engaging way to teach your students about the Supreme Court.
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